Emotion and Its Functions

These flashcards encapsulate key vocabulary and definitions related to emotions and their cognitive and social functions.

Emotion

Biologically-based responses to situations seen as personally relevant.

Cognitive functions of emotion

Functions that shape what we take in through the senses and prioritize what we remember.

Social functions of emotion

Functions that signal to others how we will behave and help us navigate social relationships.

Defining emotions

Emotions are biologically-based responses shaped by learning, involving subjective experiences, expressive behavior, and peripheral physiology.

Subjective experience

The internal feeling state or experience associated with emotions.

Expressive behavior

Observable behaviors that express emotional responses, such as facial expressions.

Peripheral physiology

Changes in physiological state that accompany emotional experiences, such as heart rate and breathing changes.

Classical conditioning

A learning process that involves creating associations between a naturally occurring stimulus and a previously neutral stimulus.

Amygdala

A brain region involved in processing emotions, particularly fear.

Hippocampus

A brain structure crucial for memory formation and emotional regulation.

Cerebellum

A part of the brain that coordinates movement and may also contribute to emotional regulation.

Emotional memory

The enhanced recall of memories that are associated with emotional experiences.

Universality hypothesis

The theory that emotional expressions are innate and universally recognized across cultures.

Social referencing

The process by which individuals rely on emotional signals from others to guide their own behavior.

James-Lange Theory

Theory proposing that emotions arise from physiological reactions to stimuli.

Cannon-Bard Theory

Theory proposing that physiological responses and emotional experiences occur simultaneously and independently.

Two-Factor Theory of Emotion

Theory proposing that emotion is based on physiological arousal and cognitive interpretation of that arousal.

Emotion regulation

The process of modifying emotions, including their experience, expression, and physiological response.

Cognitive reappraisal

A form of emotion regulation involving changing the interpretation of a situation to alter its emotional impact.

Facial feedback hypothesis

The theory that facial expressions can influence emotional experiences.

Interpersonal emotions

Emotions that arise from social interactions and relationships, such as jealousy and embarrassment.

Emotional signals

Nonverbal cues, such as facial expressions, that communicate emotions to others.

Charles Darwin

Naturalist who proposed that emotions have evolved for communication and survival.

Emotional expressions

Nonverbal signs of emotion shared across different species.

Margaret Mead

Anthropologist known for her views on the social constructivist hypothesis regarding emotions.

Social emotions

Emotions that involve the context of social interactions, such as pride and shame.

Behavioral activation

The process of engaging with activities that influence one's emotional state positively.

Emotion contagion

The phenomenon where one person's emotions and related behaviors directly trigger similar emotions and behaviors in others.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers in the brain that affect mood and emotional responses.

Stress response

The body's physiological reaction to perceived challenges or threats, which can affect emotional states.

PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)

A mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.

Emotion-focused coping

Coping strategies that aim to reduce emotional distress rather than addressing the stressor itself.

Cognition-enhancing emotions

Emotions that can improve cognitive functioning and memory retention.

Visual Cliff experiment

A study demonstrating social referencing in infants, showing they rely on parental emotional expressions in uncertain situations.

Emotional decision-making

The process by which emotions influence the decisions we make.

Emotional literacy

The ability to recognize and understand emotions in oneself and others.

Emotional intelligence

The capacity to be aware of, control, and express one's emotions, and to handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically.

Physiological arousal

The body's physical response to stimuli, which is often linked to emotional responses.

Experimental methods

Research techniques used to investigate psychological phenomena, including emotions.

Contextual factors

External or situational elements that influence emotional experiences and expressions.

Neuroscience of emotions

The study of the brain structures associated with emotional processes.

Relief

An emotional state experienced when a source of stress or discomfort is removed.

Anticipatory emotions

Emotions that occur as a result of anticipating a future event.

Motivational states

Emotions that drive individuals to act toward goal achievement.

Self-regulation

The ability to control one’s emotions and behaviors in response to situational demands.

Social behavior

Actions and interactions among individuals within a social context, influenced by emotional states.

Qualitative aspects of emotions

The subjective quality and experience of emotions that vary from person to person.

Empathy

The ability to understand and share the feelings of another person.

Emotional resilience

The ability to adapt to stressful situations and recover from emotional upheaval.

Attachment styles

Patterns of relationships developed through early interactions that can influence emotional behavior.

Somatic markers

Physiological responses that inform emotional decision making.

Regulatory processes

Actions and strategies employed to manage emotional experiences.

Affective neuroscience

The scientific study of the neural mechanisms of emotion.

Stress management techniques

Strategies used to control and reduce stress, affecting emotional health.

Emotion expression in culture

The varying ways emotions are expressed and interpreted across different cultural contexts.