Emotions, Aggression, and Stress

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture on emotions, aggression, and stress, including theories of emotion, brain structures related to emotional responses, the effects of stress, and implications for human behavior.

What does the James-Lange theory of emotion suggest?

Autonomic reactions trigger feelings.

What does the Cannon-Bard theory propose?

Simultaneous autonomic reaction and feeling occur.

What role do cognitive systems play in Schachter’s theory of emotion?

They assess the context of the situation to determine which emotion we feel.

What are the eight basic emotions proposed by Plutchik?

Joy, sadness, affection, disgust, anger, fear, expectation, surprise.

What is the facial feedback hypothesis?

Sensory feedback from facial expressions can affect our mood.

What is decorticate rage?

A sudden intense rage in dogs whose cortex has been removed.

What brain region is identified as a key structure in fear mediation?

The amygdala.

What is the significance of electrical brain stimulation in emotions?

It can produce emotional effects and indicates pleasure responses.

What neurotransmitter is associated with inhibiting aggression?

Serotonin.

What is the effect of testosterone on aggression in humans?

Less clear; some studies show testosterone's effect varies.

What behavioral response is seen in maternal aggression?

Aggression in mothers defending their nest or offspring.

What triggers the release of cortisol and epinephrine during stress?

The stress response.

How does early life stress affect later stress resilience according to stress immunization theory?

Mild stress early in life improves resilience if comforted afterward.

How does bullying impact children according to the lecture notes?

Children who are bullied are at greater risk for mental and physical disorders later in life.

What part of the brain is involved in emotional perception?

The amygdala.

What is the ascending reticular formation system's role concerning consciousness?

It plays a role in regulating levels of consciousness.

How does prolonged stress affect humans and baboons according to the lecture?

It is detrimental to immune function.

What is the role of the insula and anterior cingulate cortex in emotions?

They show increased activity during emotional responses.

What is one effect of Botox injections on emotions?

They cause people to experience emotions less intensely.

What defines aggression?

Behavior intended to cause pain or harm to others.

What is the role of the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) in aggression?

It is involved in aggressive behavior.

What phenomenon is characterized by drastic reduction of fear and anxiety due to amygdala damage?

Klüver-Bucy syndrome.

What are the stress hormones released during a stress response?

Cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine.

What is the link between environmental factors and gene expression changes in stress?

Environmental factors can cause epigenetic changes affecting gene expression.