Myers 35: Emotions+
Definition of Emotion
Emotion can be defined as a complex and multifaceted response of the entire organism to a particular stimulus or situation
It involves three main components:
Physiological Arousal
Expressive Behaviors
Conscious Experience and Feelings
Explain the three main components of Emotion
Physiological Arousal:
This component refers to the bodily changes that occur in response to an emotional trigger
Example: heightened heart rate, increased perspiration
physiological arousal is a direct result of the body's autonomic nervous systemresponding to the emotional stimulus, preparing the organism for action.
Expressive Behaviors:
Expressive behaviors encompass the outward manifestations of emotions.
Includes facial expressions, body language, other non verbal cues etc
These behaviors serve as signals to others, conveying the internal emotional experience.
Conscious Experience and Feelings:
Conscious Experience
crucial aspect of emotion
the cognitive interpretation and awareness of the emotional response.
Includes the subjective evaluation of the situation — contributes to overall emotional experience.
Feelings
Feelings, such as panic, fear, joy, etc., are the subjective experiences or labels attached to the emotional response.
These feelings provide a cognitive and evaluative aspect to the emotional experience.
reflecting the individual's conscious interpretation of the emotional state.
The scenario of the DM's panicked search for Peter, and how it exemplifies the interplay of the three components of emotion.
Physiological arousal is evident in the DM's racing heart, heightened alertness, and possibly other bodily responses.
Expressive behaviors may include a quickened pace, frantic gestures, and a sense of urgency, all of which are observable manifestations of the emotional state.
Conscious experience involves the DM's interpretation of the situation, questioning whether it is a kidnapping and evaluating the potential threat.
Feelings associated with this emotional response include panic, fear, and concern for Peter's well-being, contributing to the overall emotional experience.
How can psychological phenomena such as vision, sleep, memory, and sex be comprehensively approached, considering the various dimensions of understanding?
a) Only through physiological processes
b) Solely through observable behaviors
c) Exclusively through cognitive mechanisms
d) Through a multifaceted approach involving physiology, behavior, and cognition
Answer:
D)
The two big questions asked by psychologists
1) Chicken-and-Egg Debate: Bodily Arousal and Emotional Feelings
Debate: Does the physical response (e.g., racing heart, faster steps) come before the emotional experience, or does the emotional feeling precede the bodily response?
Significance: This question forms the basis of the early exploration of emotion theories, aiming to unravel the complex relationship between bodily responses and emotional experiences.
These early theories presented different perspectives on the temporal sequence of bodily arousal and emotional feelings (James Lange & Cannon Bard)
2) Interaction Between Thinking (Cognition) and Feeling:
Question: Does cognition always precede emotional reactions, meaning one must think about a situation before experiencing an emotion?
James-Lange Theory: Arousal Comes Before Emotion
Proposed by William James and Carl Lange
Key Concepts:
Opposite of Common Sense:
common-sense view = we cry because we are sad or lash out because we are angry (common sense is that emotion first, then action)
This reversal challenges the intuitive belief that emotions cause bodily reactions, saying it precedes emotional feelings.
challenging prevailing views
Defining James-Lange Theory:
our perception and awareness of physiological changes lead to the experience of emotions.(sequential)
our experience of emotion occurs when we become aware of our physiological responses to an emotion-arousing stimulus.
arousal comes before the conscious experience of emotion.
Critiques of the James Lange Theory
Critics argue that the theory oversimplifies the complex nature of emotions and that physiological responses alone may not fully account for the richness and diversity of emotional experiences.
Some researchers have pointed out that emotional responses can occur even when physiological changes are not present or are ambiguous, challenging the James-Lange Theory.
How does James Lange Theory connect to the Facial Feedback effect?
Reciprocal Relationship:
Both the James-Lange Theory and the Facial Feedback Effect propose a reciprocal relationship between bodily responses and emotions.
James-Lange emphasizes the awareness of physiological responses leading to emotion
Facial Feedback Effect extends this by suggesting that altering these physiological responses can feed back into the emotional experience.
Both perspectives contribute to a nuanced understanding of how physiological responses, including facial expressions, play a crucial role in shaping our emotional experiences.
Cannon-Bard Theory: Arousal and Emotion Occur Simultaneously
Proposed by Walter Cannon and later supported by Philip Bard.
Key Concepts:
Disagreement with James-Lange Theory:
disagreed with the James-Lange Theory, that specific bodily responses directly cause distinct emotions
instead asserts that arousal and emotional experience occur independently but simultaneously.
Simultaneous Occurrence:
physiological responses and emotional experiences do not have a sequential relationship
Instead, they occur simultaneously in response to an emotion-arousing stimulus.
Argues that the body's responses are too similar and change too slowly to account for the variety of emotions experienced.
Physiological and Emotional Independence:
Cannon and Bard asserted that physiological responses and experienced emotions are independent of each other.
This means that physiological arousal does not cause the emotional feeling, and vice versa.
Counterarguments and Studies:
Studies involving individuals with severed spinal cords challenged the complete independence suggested by the Cannon-Bard Theory.
survey of 25 World War II soldiers
lower-spine injuries, who had lost sensation only in their legs, reported little change in their emotions’ intensity.
high spinal cord injury, who could feel nothing below the neck, did report changes. Those expressed mostly in body areas above the neck, were felt more intensely.
Some evidence suggested that bodily responses and emotions may still be interrelated, as changes in physiological responses affected emotional experiences. (facial feedback effect)
Cognition and Emotion Interaction:
Theory recognizes that our interpretation and perception of an emotion-arousing stimulus influences our emotional response.
This introduces the second significant question in psychology: How do thinking and feeling interact? The theory emphasizes that our emotions depend on how we interpret and cognitively process stimuli.
Feelings as "Shadows" of Bodily Responses:
Some researchers, influenced by evidence from spinal cord injury studies, view feelings as "mostly shadows" of bodily responses and behaviors.
This perspective, suggests that bodily reactions may play a predominant role in shaping emotional experiences.
Definition of Cannon-Bard Theory:
proposition that an emotion-arousing stimulus simultaneously triggers Physiological responses AND Subjective experience of emotion
but these two are still independent, despite happening simultaneously
Schachter-Singer Two-Factor Theory: Arousal + Label = Emotion
Proposed by Stanley Schachter and Jerome Singer
Key Concepts:
Ingredients of Emotion:
emotions have two essential ingredients: physical arousal and cognitive appraisals (appraise = interpret)
Emotion arises when these two factors come together through conscious interpretation.
Arousal and Cognition:
Physical arousal alone is not sufficient for experiencing emotion. — emotional experience requires the conscious interpretation of arousal
This interpretation involves perceptions, memories, and conscious thoughts that contribute to the labeling of the emotional experience
Two-Step Process:
The theory outlines a two-step process for experiencing emotion:
Physical Arousal: The individual experiences a state of physiological arousal, such as an increased heart rate, flushing skin, or rapid breathing.
Cognitive Labeling: The individual cognitively appraises or labels the arousal, providing a conscious interpretation. This labeling influences the specific emotion experienced.
Spillover Effect Experiment:
To explore the spillover effect, Schachter and Singer conducted an experiment injecting college men with epinephrine, inducing arousal.
The participants were then placed in a waiting room with an accomplice displaying either euphoric or irritated behavior.
Participants who expected the arousal from the injection, accurately attributed it to the drug and felt little emotion
Those who were not expecting the arousal labeled it based on the behavior of the accomplice, experiencing emotions corresponding to the observed behavior. (was instead told it would help with eyesight)
This proves that A stirred-up state can be interpreted and labeled as different emotions… Proves that arousal fuels emotion; cognition channels it.
Labeling and Interpretation Influence Emotion:
A stirred-up state can be interpreted and labeled as different emotions
This emphasizes the role of cognitive interpretation and labeling in shaping emotional experiences.
Definition of Two-Factor Theory:
defined as the proposition that to experience emotion, one must (1) be physically aroused and (2) cognitively label the arousal through conscious interpretation.
arousal alone is not sufficient for the full experience of emotion
emotional experience requires the conscious interpretation of arousal
Arousal fuels emotion; cognition channels it.
physical arousal + cognitive appraisal = emotion
According to Schachter and Singer, two factors lead to our experience of an emotion: (a) physiological arousal and (b) __________ appraisal.
cognitive
Zajonc, LeDoux, and Lazarus: Does Cognition Always Precede Emotion?
Psychologists Robert Zajonc, Joseph LeDoux, and Richard Lazarus contributed to the understanding of …
the relationship between cognition and emotion
challenging the idea that conscious thinking always precedes emotional experiences
highlight the role of automatic, subconscious processes in shaping emotions.
How can we use this theory to explain how a flashed image can still prime us
We also have an acutely sensitive automatic radar for emotionally significant information, such that even a subliminally flashed stimulus can prime us to feel better or worse about a follow-up stimulus
Zajonc's Position:
Robert Zajonc proposed that emotional reactions can occur independently of conscious interpretation.
argued that people can have emotional responses before or apart from conscious appraisal.
Examples include immediate likes or dislikes towards something or someone without a clear conscious reason.
Low Road vs. High Road:
Joseph LeDoux distinguished between the "low road" and the "high road" in emotional processing.
Low Road: direct, rapid neural pathway (e.g., amygdala) for simple emotions like likes, dislikes, and fears. This pathway bypasses the cortex and allows for quick emotional responses before conscious thinking (almost like a reflex)
High Road: more complex pathway that includes the cortex. For more intricate emotions like love and hatred. This pathway allows for analysis, labeling, and conscious interpretation before emotional responses.
Amygdala's Role:
crucial role in emotional processing
receiving sensory input and influencing emotional reactions
amygdala's reactions are rapid and automatic, contributing to quick emotional responses without conscious awareness.
Hence, important for Low road, that Joseph LeDoux talks about
Cognitive Appraisal by Lazarus:
Richard Lazarus agreed with Zajonc and LeDoux regarding automatic emotional responses but emphasized the role of cognitive appraisal.
Lazarus suggested that while some emotional responses operate via the automatic low road, appraisal processes still occur, even if they are not consciously accessible.
Emotions arise when events are appraised as either harmless or dangerous, influencing subsequent emotional experiences. (no matter that automatics, there is always some appraisal happening)
some form of evaluation or assessment takes place, influencing the emotional response.
Conscious and Unconscious Processing (the collective agreement)
All collectively demonstrate that simple emotional responses can occur without deliberate thinking.
However, more complex emotions may involve conscious and unconscious information processing, including memories, expectations, and interpretations. (this where we see the elements on Lazarus) — have more conscious control
Reappraisal and Conscious Control (Lazarus)
For complex emotions, conscious control is possible through processes like reappraisal.
Changing interpretations and perspectives can influence emotional responses.
Appraisal = interpretation
Reappraisal has been shown to reduce distress, modify amygdala responses, and enhance cognitive performance.
Reappraisal is like giving a new meaning to something that's stressing you out. Instead of seeing a situation in a negative light, you try to look at it differently, finding a more positive or manageable perspective
Two-Track Brain Model:
The two-track brain model illustrates how sensory input can take either the high road (cortex-involved analysis) or the low road (direct to amygdala) in emotional processing.
Sensory input may be routed:
(a) to the cortex (via the thalamus) for analysis and then transmission to the amygdala — Conscious Processing
(b) directly to the amygdala (via the thalamus) for an instant emotional reaction — Unconscious Processing
Summary of Emotion Theories
James-Lange
Emotions arise from our awareness of bodily responses to emotion-arousing stimuli
arousal, then emotion
Cannon-Bard
Emotion-arousing stimuli trigger our bodily responses and simultaneous subjective experience
emotion and arousal independent, but at the same time
Schachter-Singer
Our experience of emotion depends general arousal and a conscious cognitive label.
Arousal + Label = Emotion
emotional experience requires the conscious interpretation of arousal
Zajonc; LeDoux
Some embodied responses happen instantly, without conscious appraisal. (low road)
the way you immediately like or dislike something
Lazarus
Cognitive appraisal (“Is it dangerous or not?”)—sometimes happens without our awareness—defines emotion
appraisal = interpretation
Emotions and the Autonomic Nervous System
Emotions connection to the autonomic nervous system (ANS)
ANS orchestrates physiological responses to mobilize the body for action, demonstrating a well-coordinated and adaptive reaction.
Has 2 divisions:Sympathetic and Parasympathetic
Sympathetic Division Activation in Crisis:
In a crisis, the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) becomes active.
Physiological Responses:
Adrenal Glands Activation, Glucose Release, Increased Respiration:, Elevated Heart Rate and Blood Pressure, Digestion Slowdown, Pupil Dilation, Perspiration, Blood Clotting
Parasympathetic Division Calming Response:
After the crisis has passed, the parasympathetic division of the ANS gradually calms the body.
Physiological Responses:
Reduction in Stress Hormones,
Return to Baseline
Coordinated and Adaptive Response:
The body's response to danger, orchestrated by the ANS, is wonderfully coordinated and adaptive.
Preparation for Fight or Flight:
The physiological changes prepare the individual to either fight or flee, aligning with the fundamental "fight or flight" response to stress.
Distinct Arousal Fingerprints:
The question arises: Do different emotions have distinct arousal fingerprints?
Research and Inquiry:
Investigations explore whether specific emotions trigger unique physiological responses, leading to distinctive patterns of arousal. This area of study delves into the possibility of identifying physiological markers for different emotions.
The Physiology of Emotions
Key Concepts:
Physiological Responses Across Emotions:
Conducting an experiment to measure physiological responses to different emotions reveals challenges in distinguishing between fear, anger, sexual arousal, and boredom.
Commonalities: Different emotions can share common biological signatures, making it difficult to pinpoint specific emotions based solely on physiological responses like perspiration, pupil size, breathing, and heart rate.
The Role of the Insula:
The insula, a neural center deep inside the brain, plays a role in various negative social emotions, including lust, pride, and disgust.
Multitasking Function: Despite serving various emotional functions, the insula's activation can be observed in response to different stimuli (tasting or smelling disgusting food, experiencing moral disgust.
Facial Expressions and Emotion Differentiation:
While fear and joy may prompt similar physiological responses like an increased heart rate, they can be differentiated by facial expressions.
Example: Fearful expressions involve tension in brow muscles, while joyful expressions engage muscles in the cheeks and under the eyes.
Distinct Brain Circuits for Emotions:
Different emotions activate distinct brain circuits, contributing to variations in brain activity.
Amygdala Activity: Observers watching fearful faces show more amygdala activity compared to those observing angry faces. (fear = amygdala activity)
Prefrontal Cortex Activity: Negative emotions like disgust and depression-prone individuals exhibit more right prefrontal cortex activity, while positive moods and personalities correlate with increased left frontal lobe activity.
Left prefrontal = positive moods
Right prefrontal = negative moods
Left and Right Frontal Lobe Activity:
Left frontal lobe activity tends to be associated with positive moods and personalities, while the right frontal lobe is linked to negative emotions and perspectives.
Left prefrontal = positive
Right prefrontal = negative
Baseline Frontal Lobe Activity: Individuals with a leftward tilt in baseline frontal lobe activity are often more upbeat and positive.
Role of the Amygdala
located within the temporal lobe of the brain
involved in the recognition, interpretation, and regulation of emotions
Emotional Processing:
Fear and Threat Response:
processes and recognizes threatening stimuli, activating the body's "fight or flight" response
Emotional Learning and Memory:
formation of emotional associations
Regulation of Emotional Responses:
According to the Cannon-Bard theory, (a) our physiological response to a stimulus (for example, a pounding heart), and (b) the emotion we experience (for example, fear) occur ___________ (simultaneously/sequentially). According to the James-Lange theory, (a) and (b) occur _____________ (simultaneously/sequentially)
Cannon Bard theory = simultaneously
James Lange theory = sequentially