Chapter_11_Book

Page 1: The Case of S.M. and the Hazards of Fearlessness

Fear and Its Importance
Gandhi's Quote: "Fear has its use, but cowardice has none".
Heroes are not truly fearless; they function despite fear.
Some individuals, like S.M., do not experience fear due to a rare genetic disorder (Feinstein et al., 2011).
S.M.
S.M. lost the ability to feel fear post-childhood.
Fewer than 300 reported cases of this disorder.
Lack of fear shown in behaviors like approaching a knife-wielding robber, potentially dangerous situations (Aschwanden, 2013).
Physiological Responses
Typical emotional responses have physiological components mediated by the sympathetic nervous system.
S.M. exhibits minimal physiological responses typical to fear; e.g., very little startle response, inability to perceive fear in others (L. F. Barrett, 2018).
Social and Behavioral Consequences
S.M. does not notice or react to potential risks in social settings, making her an easy target for scams (D. P. Kennedy et al., 2009).
Close conversational distance with others; candid communication style leads to fewer long-term friendships.
Chapter Overview
Discussion on physiological and behavioral processes involved in emotional states.
Explore fear and aggression: important emotional themes linked to survival, studied in both humans and animals.
Conclude with stress impacts on neural function.

Emotional Perception and Display
Key topics: dominant theories relating emotion with physiological changes.
Emotions encompass subjective feelings, behaviors, and physiological changes.
Explore links between physiological reactions and emotional experiences (James-Lange theory vs. Cannon-Bard theory).
Emotion Definition
Subjective mental state linked to cognition, behaviors, and physiological changes.
Autonomic nervous system reactions evident in emotions:
- Sympathetic Nervous System: Prepares body for action (fight or flight).
- Parasympathetic Nervous System: Prepares body to relax.
Theoretical Models
Various theories seeking to explain emotional experiences:
James-Lange Theory: Emotions occur as a result of physiological changes in the body.
Cannon-Bard Theory: Emotion and physiological response occur simultaneously.
Schachter-Singer Theory: Emotions depend on cognitive attribution of physiological arousal.

James-Lange vs. Cannon-Bard Theory
James-Lange: Bodily changes cause emotional experiences.
Cannon-Bard: Simultaneous emotional and bodily responses as a result of stimuli.
Evidence Against James-Lange Theory
Lack of distinct physiological patterns linked to specific emotions (e.g., anger, fear).
Physiological responses can be slow (Cannon and Bard; 1929).
Schachter and Singer's Two-Factor Theory
Emotional labels based on non-specific physiological arousal.
Contextual factors can influence emotional attribution, illustrated through experiments.

Schachter and Singer's Experiment
Participants injected with epinephrine; some informed of effects.
Emotional experiences varied based on cognitive assessment and surrounding context.
Participants’ emotions aligned with context and confederate (angry vs. happy).
Conclusion from the Experiment
Emotional experiences consist of both physiological responses and cognitive context assessment.
Autonomic arousal increases emotional intensity but does not explain varied emotional experiences.

Basic Understanding of Aggression
Aggression can be proactive or reactive, heavily influenced by hormonal changes (e.g., testosterone).
Brain activity linked to various neurotransmitter systems, crucial for aggression regulation (dopamine, GABA, serotonin).
Inducing Aggression in Animals
Studies on intermale aggression in species: link between testosterone levels and aggressive behaviors.
Maternal aggression observed in response to the threat of young.

Facial Expressions and Cultural Influence
Facial expressions convey emotions, showing similarities across cultures.
Significant cross-cultural agreements on basic emotions (Ekman and Keltner studies).
Cultural influences impact emotional expression and interpretation of physical expressions (Crivelli et al., 2016).

Neural Mechanisms of Emotion
The limbic system is crucial for emotional behavior and learning; includes the amygdala and other brain structures.
Klüver-Bucy Syndrome: Results from amygdala damage; characterized by taming effects but loss of aggression or fear.

Fear Conditioning
Classical conditioning and its association with fear responses; the amygdala plays a pivotal role.
Sensory information about fear passes through the thalamus, leading to immediate emotional reactions (low road) or conscious processing (high road).

Basic Emotions
Investigate the categorization of basic emotions with associated facial expressions; explore differences among cultures in understanding facial cues.

Physiological Stress Responses
Stress affects various bodily systems, including hormonal responses, neurological circuits, and immune functions.
Impacts of chronic stress: inhibiting immune responses and leading to various health problems.

Childhood Stress and its Long-term Effects
Early experiences influence adult stress responses; the role of comfort and maternal behavior.
Health Impacts: Emotional and social factors associated with physical health and disease resistance.

Psychoneuroimmunology: Studies interactions between psychological factors, immune systems, and health outcomes.
Chronic vs. Acute Stress Effects: Prolonged stress leads to negative health impacts, including susceptibility to mental disorders.

Strategies for Stress Reduction
Methods like mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) focus on awareness and relaxation to combat stress impacts.
Emphasize importance of coping strategies to mitigate stress effects in life.

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