Affective (before apring break)

Definition: A negative incentive can drive behavior despite a lack of immediate needs.
Example: Sexual drive can act as a negative incentive when individuals seek out partners even when there is no immediate biological need.

Drive and need do not always coexist. Situations of suffering can create a drive independent of a satisfaction need (e.g., survival instincts).
Positive incentives can thrive in the absence of needs; for example, an attractive food or partner can motivate behavior.

Five Main Theories: Discussed are three classical theories and two appraisal theories:
- Classical Theories:
1. James-Lange Theory: Emotions arise from physiological reactions to stimuli. (E.g., we feel afraid because we tremble)
2. Cannon-Bard Theory: Emotions and physiological reactions occur simultaneously but independently.
3. Schachter-Singer Theory: Emotions are influenced by physiological arousal and cognitive interpretation of the situation.
- Appraisal Theories: Focus on the individual's evaluation of their emotional experiences and how that affects their emotional responses.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS): Regulates physiological responses to emotions, such as changes in heart rate.
Endocrine System: Hormones like oxytocin influence emotional reactions (e.g., bonding in mothers).
Limbic System: Structures like the amygdala play a key role in processing fear and emotional memory.

Facial Feedback Hypothesis: Facial expressions can influence emotional experiences, suggesting that smiling can enhance feelings of happiness.
Implications: Smiling, regardless of internal feelings, can lead to improved mood in social interactions.

Emphasizes the role of cognitive processes in the experience of emotions. The thalamus acts as a central hub for processing stimuli and coordinating emotional responses.

Investigated how cognitive labeling affects emotional experience. Participants who experienced physiological arousal attributed their state differently based on contextual cues.

Emotional understanding often comes from caregivers (e.g., mothers teaching what emotions mean).
Misinterpretation of needs (e.g., a baby being dressed too warmly) can lead to emotional mismanagement.

Capilano Bridge Study: Found that heightened arousal can enhance the perception of attraction, exemplifying how context influences emotions.
Rate of Neural Firing: Different emotions can be distinguished by observing the frequency of neuronal activity.

Some emotional expressions are communicated through gestures, which can carry culturally universal meanings (e.g., approaching with an outstretched hand as a gesture of peace).

Suggests emotions result from evaluating stimuli as beneficial or harmful.
- Primary Appraisal: Assessment of whether an event is good, bad, or neutral.
- Secondary Appraisal: Evaluation of the resources available to cope with the event, which influences the emotional response.

Emotions are complex interactions between physiological responses, cognitive interpretations, and external stimuli. Understanding this interplay is crucial for emotional intelligence and navigating social situations.