Lesson-7-Emotions-and-Emotional-Intelligence (copy)

Page 1: Introduction to Emotions

  • Quote: "YOUR INTELLECT MAY BE CONFUSED, BUT YOUR EMOTIONS WILL NEVER LIE TO YOU." - Robert Ebert

Lesson Topics

  • Emotions and Its Components

    • Biological

    • Behavioral

    • Cognitive

  • Elements of Emotional Intelligence

    • Self-awareness

    • Self-regulation

    • Motivation

    • Empathy

    • Social Skills

Understanding Emotion

Emotional Components - Biological Aspect

  • Physiological Arousal: Starts with a state of arousal, heightened activity in mind and body.

    • Arousal varies in intensity (mild to intense).

    • Involves the Reticular Activation System and autonomic nervous system.

Reticular Activation System (RAS)

  • Definition: A complex network in the brainstem regulating arousal, attention, and wakefulness.

  • Function: Maintains and modulates alertness during emotional arousal.

Emotional Triggering

  • Chemical release in the brain during arousal stimulates emotions and reduces conscious control.

  • Analogy: Emotional build-up (e.g., anger) is akin to a dam before overflowing.

Theories of Physiological Arousal

  • Cannon-Bard Theory: Emotions and physiological responses occur simultaneously.

  • James-Lange Theory: Emotions are a result of physical responses to stimuli.

Cannon-Bard Theory Example

  • Scenario: Encountering a shadowy figure in a parking garage.

    • Experience simultaneous feelings of fear and a racing heart.

James-Lange Theory Example

  • Scenario: Seeing a grizzly bear.

    • Trembling and heart racing lead to the interpretation: "I am trembling. Therefore, I am afraid."

Comparison of Theories

  • Similarities: Both acknowledge the connection between bodily responses and emotional experiences.

  • Differences:

    • Cannon-Bard: Simultaneous responses.

    • James-Lange: Physical responses precede emotions.

Behavioral Component - Emotional Expression

  • Facial Expressions: Communicate emotions; can be misleading.

    • Macroexpressions: Longer-lasting facial expressions (0.5 - 4 seconds).

    • Microexpressions: Brief expressions that may reveal concealed emotions.

Cognitive Component - Subjective Labeling

  • Emotion may be interpreted even without physiological arousal.

  • Lazarus Theory of Appraisal:

    • Primary Appraisal: Evaluating if a situation is beneficial.

    • Secondary Appraisal: Considering coping mechanisms.

Emotional Intelligence Definition

  • Definition: Ability to understand and express oneself, relate to others, and cope with daily life demands (Bar-On, 2005).

Five Components of Emotional Intelligence

  • Self-awareness: Recognizing one's own feelings.

  • Self-regulation: Controlling impulses and negative emotions.

  • Motivation: Maintaining a positive attitude and setting goals.

  • Empathy: Recognizing and understanding others' feelings.

  • Social Skills: Influencing and leading effectively in interactions.