psyc 100 - Emotions and Motivation

Motivational Neuroscience

Regions of the brain specifically involved in motivational behaviour

Homeostasis

The body striving to maintain a constant rate

Set Point

The ideal level for homeostasis

Drive-reduction Theory

Suggests that we are motivated ti reduce problematic drives in the body

Hypothalamus

Connects the endocrine and nervous system via the pituitary gland. Important for homeostasis

Regulatory Drives

A motivation that helps maintain homeostasis

Ex. Hunger, Thirst, Thermoregulation, Sleep

Non-Regulatory Drives

A motivation not related to maintaining homeostasis

Ex. Sex Drive , Achievement

What happens when we eat?

Blood sugar increases, turning glucose into glycogen

What happens when we are hungry?

Blood sugar decreases, releasing glucose form glycogen storage

Lateral Hypothalamus

Electrical stimulation causes eating

Ventromedial Hypothalamus

Electrical stimulation stops eating

Satiation

Feeling of being full and satisfied

Arousal

A drive state that is triggered by either the thought or of absence of sexual activity

Ariely and Lowenstein Study

Sexual arousal makes people impatient for sexual and other outcomes

Affect

Emotional process

Emotional Fluctuation

The degree to which the emotional intensity changes over time or to which emotions change

Emotional Instability

Dysregulation, rapid, exaggerated changes in emotions

Emotional Coherence

When emotional responses converge with one another

Facial Brain Stimulation

Uses electrodes (non-invasive) to stimulate different areas of the brain. Measures emotional response to stimulation

Desire

Stimulation of the lateral hypothalamus is linked with pleasure. Dopamine gives the feeling of excitement and anticipation. Drugs like cocaine and amphetamines have dopamine-like effects

Pleasure

Associated with activation of the orbitofrontal cortex

Fear

• The amygdala is the fast system that plays an important role

• The prefrontal cortex is the slow system that plays a role in cognitively processing it

What can provoke anger?

Lack of anticipated rewards, testosterone, opioids, etc.

Attachment

Accompanied by the feelings of love, oxytocin