Emotions and Stress Responses

These flashcards cover key concepts about emotions and stress responses as outlined in the lecture notes. They include definitions of terms, theories, and explanations of emotional and physiological processes.

What are the three components of emotion?

Physiological response, expressive reaction, and subjective experience.

Define physiological response in the context of emotions.

Physiological response refers to measurable physical reactions, such as changes in heart rate, muscle tension, or breathing.

What is an expressive reaction?

An expressive reaction is the visual display of emotions, such as facial expressions or body language, which can differ across cultures.

What does subjective experience refer to in emotional response?

Subjective experience is the personal interpretation and feeling associated with an emotional response, which is often unique to the individual.

Why do we have emotions?

Emotions prepare us for environmental challenges, motivate us for actions, help in communication, and stimulate social behaviors.

What is the stress response?

The stress response is a physiological reaction to a perceived threat, involving the activation of the autonomic nervous system and hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.

Explain the concept of homeostasis in relation to stress.

Homeostasis refers to the body's attempt to maintain a stable internal environment, which stressors can disrupt, leading to a physiological stress response.

What is the Yerkes-Dodson law?

The Yerkes-Dodson law describes the relationship between arousal and performance, stating that optimal performance occurs at moderate arousal, while too much or too little arousal can hinder performance.

Define the two-factor theory of emotion.

The two-factor theory posits that emotion is based on physiological arousal and cognitive appraisal of the situation, leading to emotional labeling.

How does social support influence stress management?

Social support can provide emotional regulation, reduce feelings of isolation, and offer practical assistance during stressful situations.