Studied by 4 people
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Excitatory mechanisms
alert, awake, aroused
Inhibitory mechanisms
sleepy, drowsy, sluggish
Ascending Reticular Activating System (ARAS)
Maintains the balance between excitatory and inhibitory activity
If ARAS gateway is typically somewhat closed
Relatively low baseline level of cortical arousal
– Extraverts’ situation
If ARAS gateway is typically open wide
Relatively high baseline level of cortical arousal
– Introverts’ situation
Behavioural Activation System (BAS)
– Responsive to rewards and regulates approach behaviour
– Activity produces impulsivity
– Neurotransmitter = dopamine
Based in the limbic System, In particular, the septal nuclei
& nucleus accumbens
Behavioural Inhibition System (BIS)
– Responsive to punishment, frustration, uncertainty, and motivates ceasing, inhibiting, or avoidance behaviour.
– Activity produces anxiety
– Neurotransmitter = serotonin
Based in hippocampus and amygdala
Gray & McNaughton Sensitivity Theory
■ BAS: Reward sensitivity (similar to Extraversion)
– Motivation to approach potential rewards, impulsivity
■ BIS: Conflict sensitive (similar to Neuroticism, Anxiety)
– Motivation to avoid punishment, frustration, decisions
– Sensitive to uncertainty, choice dilemmas, novelty
– No longer focus on punishment—more internal conflict
■ FFFS (Fight, Flight, Freeze System): sensitive to danger
– Demands immediate response
– Response to punishment or threat
– Panic, Fear
Sensation Seeking
Monoamine Oxidase (MAO)
Enzyme that maintains neurotransmitter levels and sets the brakes in the nervous system.
High sensation seekers have low levels
Dopamine
Associated with pleasure
Related to Extraversion, and Openness in salience of information
Serotonin
Low levels associated with depression and anxiety
Related to Neuroticism
Positive Affectivity
A tendency to experience more positive emotions (joy, vigor, alert, excited)
Negative Affectivity
A tendency to experience more negative emotions (afraid, anxious, irritable, distressed)
