4.7 - Emotion

Emotion (or Affect)

• A complex psychological process distinct from reasoning or knowledge.

• Influenced by both internal and external factors.

Early 20th Century Theories of Emotion

• Differentiated between the physiological and cognitive aspects of emotion.

• Some theories suggested physiological and cognitive experiences happen in succession.

• Other theories proposed they occur simultaneously.

• Some theories emphasize the need for a cognitive label to fully experience an emotion.

Facial-Feedback Hypothesis

• Suggests that facial expressions can influence the experience of emotion.

• Supports the idea that the physiological experience of emotion might come before cognitive appraisal.

• Research on this hypothesis has shown mixed results.

NOTE: You no longer need to know the specific theories of emotions (such as Cannon-Bard, James-Lange, etc.) “Specific names of theories of emotion are outside the scope of the AP Psychology Exam.

Broaden-and-Build Theory of Emotion

• Suggests that positive emotions expand an individual’s awareness and encourage creative thinking, exploration, and new actions.

• Positive emotions help build personal resources, like skills and relationships, that can be beneficial in the long term.

• In contrast, negative emotions tend to narrow focus, limiting awareness and reducing the range of possible thoughts and actions.

Physiological Similarities: Many emotions (fear, anger, love, boredom) share similar physical responses, like increased heart rate or sweating.

Expressing Emotions

• Universal Facial Expressions (Paul Ekman): Basic emotions (happiness, sadness, anger, fear, surprise, disgust) are expressed with similar facial expressions across cultures.

• Gender Differences: Women tend to be better at reading nonverbal cues and expressing emotions than men.

• Detecting Deception:

  • Duchenne Smile: A genuine smile that involves both the mouth and eyes.

  • Polygraphs (Lie Detectors): Measure physiological arousal (heart rate, breathing, etc.) during questioning.

    • Accuracy: Controversial, often unreliable, and not admissible in many courts.

The Brain and Emotions

• Limbic System (Amygdala): Plays a key role in fear and other emotions, especially those related to threat detection.

• Reticular Formation: Works with the thalamus and amygdala to monitor incoming information and trigger responses.

• Cerebral Cortex: Interprets events and connects them to memories and feelings.

  • Right Hemisphere: More active during negative emotions.

  • Left Hemisphere: More active during positive emotions.

Fear

• Learned Through:

  • Conditioning: Associating a neutral stimulus with a fearful one.

  • Observation: Seeing others react with fear.

• Biological Predisposition: Fear helps us survive, and the amygdala is key to forming fear-related memories.

Anger

• Causes: Many factors, including frustration, injustice, and personal triggers.

• Health Connection: Chronic anger is linked to increased risk of heart disease.

• Healthy Expression: Controlled expression of anger can be beneficial, but venting rage doesn't usually eliminate it.

• Catharsis Hypothesis: The idea that releasing anger (venting) provides relief. Research shows this may not be effective long-term.