LT

Week 6 Feb. 11 - Positive Emotions

Broaden and Build Theory

  • Emotions like sadness is a post goal emotions: You feel them about something that has already happened

Research Question:

  • Do all positive emotions increase broad attention, or do some narrow attention when linked to strong motivation?

Key Idea:

  • Not all positive emotions work the same way:

    • Low motivation positive emotions (e.g., calm, relaxation) → Broaden attention.

    • High motivation positive emotions (e.g., desire, excitement) → Narrow attention, focusing on a goal.

Study Design:

Participants saw different images:

  1. Desserts (cake, chocolate, cookies) → High motivation positive affect (desire)

  2. Flowers, scenic images → Low motivation positive affect (calm)

  3. Paper plates (neutral objects) → No strong emotion

Attention Task:

  • Participants completed a Global-Local Processing Task:

    • Broad attention → Noticing the big picture.

    • Narrow attention → Focusing on small details.

Results:

Desserts (high motivation positive affect) → Narrowed attention (focused on details).
Flowers (low motivation positive affect) → Broadened attention (big picture thinking).
Neutral objects (paper plates) → No effect.

Conclusions:

  • Excitement and desire (goal-driven emotions) make us focus more narrowly.

  • Calmness and relaxation help us see the bigger picture.

  • The nucleus accumbens is not just about the reward itself but learning to predict/anticipation of getting a reward

  • If you’re really anticipating that reward this includes the activation of increased sympathetic and reduced parasympathetic

  • Enthusiam - positive emotions broaden emotions

  • Low intensity

  • Increased parasympathetic activity

  • Contentment Memory consolidation: this state enhances the ability to retain and recall information, promoting a sense of stability and well-being

  • Culturally recognizable

  • There are multiple kinds of pride:

    • Authentic pride: You really are proud

    • Hubristic pride: Naturally better than other: boosting, “I am the best”, arrogance

  • Love as attitude: How you can love your romantic partner or your mother…

  • Love as a prototype: When someone says love what comes to mind?

  • Children need to play because its a way they learn about the world

    • Exploring ideas and relationships

    • Amusement is how we experience joy and laughter, often leading to deeper connections with others