unit 2 : personality psychology and emotions

Why are facial expressions important?

They are a key part of nonverbal communication, adding meaning to our words.

What are the seven universally recognized basic emotions?

Happiness, sadness, anger, fear, surprise, disgust, and contempt.

Are emotions purely biological or learned?

Both; humans are biologically wired for emotional responses, but expression and understanding are shaped by cultural and social learning.

Do all cultures express emotions the same way?

No; while basic emotions are recognized everywhere, their expression varies by culture (e.g., how and when to smile or show sadness).

What are examples of emotional displays that can be misinterpreted across cultures?

Eye contact, smiling, personal space, and gestures.

How can eye contact be interpreted differently across cultures?

In some Asian cultures, avoiding eye contact shows respect; in Western cultures, it may seem evasive or untrustworthy.

Can a smile mean different things in different cultures?

→ Yes; it can show happiness, discomfort, or politeness depending on the culture.

What are “display rules”?

Cultural guidelines about which emotions can be shown openly and which should be suppressed.

How do individualistic and collectivist cultures differ in emotional expression?

Individualistic cultures (e.g., U.S.): Encourage open expression, especially positive emotions.
Collectivist cultures (e.g., Japan): Emphasize emotional moderation to maintain group harmony.

How does a culture’s value of emotions affect people?

How does a culture’s value of emotions affect people?

Is emotion suppression equally harmful in all cultures?

No; in cultures where suppression is normal (e.g., East Asia), it may cause less distress. In expressive cultures (e.g., Western), it can lead to isolation or inauthenticity.

Who proposed the original six primary emotions?

Paul Ekman: happiness, sadness, fear, disgust, anger, and surprise.

Who expanded the model and what did he add?

Robert Plutchik; added anticipation and trust, making eight primary emotions.

What are Plutchik’s eight primary emotions?

Joy, trust, fear, surprise, sadness, disgust, anger, anticipation12567

How are the eight primary emotions organized in Plutchik’s wheel?

Arranged in four pairs of opposites:

• Joy ↔ Sadness

• Trust ↔ Disgust

• Fear ↔ Anger

• Surprise ↔ Anticipation

What does the wheel show about emotional intensity?

Emotions intensify toward the center (e.g., annoyance → anger → rage)

How are complex emotions represented?

By blending two primary emotions (e.g., joy + trust = love; anticipation + joy = optimism)

What are dyads in Plutchik’s theory?

→ Combinations of primary emotions:

• Primary dyad: one petal apart (e.g., joy + trust = love)

• Secondary dyad: two petals apart

• Tertiary dyad: three petals apart

What is the evolutionary purpose of emotions according to Plutchik?

→ All emotions serve adaptive, survival functions (e.g., fear triggers fight-or-flight)126

What happens if emotions are left unchecked?

They can intensify (e.g., boredom can become loathing; annoyance can become rage)

What is emotional literacy according to Plutchik?

Understanding, naming, and recognizing how emotions relate and combine

James-Lange Theory:

Emotion follows physiological reaction (stimulus → arousal → emotion).

→ Heart races after seeing a spider; then you feel fear.

Cannon-Bard Theory:

Emotion and physiological reaction occur simultaneously (stimulus → brain → arousal + emotion).

Surprise party: excitement and physical reaction happen at the same time.

Schachter-Singer (Two-Factor) Theory:

• Arousal occurs first, then is interpreted and labeled as an emotion (stimulus → arousal → interpretation → emotion).

Heart races on a bridge (fear of heights) and in class (seeing someone you like); interpretation determines emotion.

Why is the wheel compared to a color wheel?

Emotions, like colors, blend and vary in intensity, creating a spectrum of feelings

What is the practical use of Plutchik’s wheel?

Helps identify, understand, and communicate emotions, supporting emotional intelligence and better decision-making

What is intrinsic motivation?

Motivation driven by internal factors (fun, interest, meaning); more effective and supports long-term goals.

What is extrinsic motivation?

Motivation driven by external factors (rewards, praise, money); can reduce creativity and problem-solving.

What is the overjustification effect?

When external rewards are given for something intrinsically motivating, intrinsic motivation decreases over time.

Children rewarded for playing with a favorite toy lost interest in the toy.

What is Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs?

A theory that humans fulfill needs in order:

1. Physiological (food, shelter)

2. Safety (security, law)

3. Love/belonging (relationships)

4. Esteem (respect, status)

5. Self-actualization (growth, fulfillment)

How does motivation help human survival?

Drives people to seek food, shelter, safety, and cooperation, enabling adaptation and perseverance

Is extrinsic motivation always flawed?

No; it can boost productivity and be useful, but overuse may reduce intrinsic interest. Balance is key.

Is Maslow’s Hierarchy accurate for everyone?

Useful but not perfect; people may pursue multiple needs at once, and cultural differences affect priorities

Are facial expressions of emotion universal?

Basic expressions are universal, but display and interpretation vary by culture, leading to possible miscommunication.

Should emotional education be emphasized more?

Yes; learning about emotions improves mental health, communication, and relationships.

Study: “Anger, Compassion, and Happiness as Antidote for Sadness”

Main topic:
→ Using emotions as regulators of sadness.

What is innovative about this research?
→ First to compare the effectiveness of emotions as antidotes for sadness.

Which is NOT true about participants?
→ They received nothing in exchange for participation.

When was race and gender data collected?
→ After the emotion-related tasks.

Why were some participants removed from the study?
→ They didn’t have an emotional memory to share.

Which emotion was most used as an antidote?
→ Happiness.

What happened after participants shared a sad memory?
→ They felt sadder in the present moment.

Effect of recalling anger after sadness?
→ Sadness remained higher than baseline.

Why recommend more research on compassion’s effects on depression?
→ Happiness memories are less effective for those with clinical depression.

Main limitation of the study?
→ Data was entirely self-reported.