LU 10: Emotional Behaviors, Stress, and Health

The Nature of Emotion

measuring emotions

self-reports

behavioral observations

physiological measures

the autonomic nervous system

sympathetic NS

parasympathetic NS

emotion and perceived arousal

James-Lange Theory of emotions

emotions occur as a result of physiological reactions to events (physiological arousal -- psychological experience of emotion)

Schachter and Singer's theory of emotions

emotion based on two factors; physiological arousal and cognitive label

The Range of Emotions

facial expressions

producing; a voluntary smile and Duchenne smile

basic emotions

The useful of emotions

evolved-informative

happy moods and mildly sad moods

moral decisions; The Trolley Dilemma and Footbridge Dilemma

decision-making; case of Phineas Gage and Damasio's "Elliot"

emotional intelligence

A Survey of Emotions

Fear and Anxiety--amygdala

anxiety, arousal and lie detection; measures blood pressure, heart rate, respiration and electrical conduction of the skin in reaction to a series of questions

lie detection; methods

polygraph, guilty knowledge, thermal camera, microexpressions

Anger and Aggressive Behavior

causes of anger

frustration; unpleasant events, sexual context-violence

aggression; attribution of intention about the source of frustration

individual differences

violent factors; physically abused as a child, witnessed violence between one's parents, use of alcohol/drugs, history of impulsive acts, growing up in a violent neighborhood

Sexual Violence

rape; sexual contact obtained through violence, coercion, or threats

factors; have a history of hostility and aggression, history of childhood abuse, anger towards women.

controlling violence--guidance, supervision and consequences that are quick, certain and logical, frustration tolerance and non-violent negotiation, anger management training

Happiness

factors; money(wealth), good job, more leisure time, partner, healthy, religious faith, goals, marital status.

how; have happy parents, make decisions with long-term goals, have strong connections, involved in activities that matter to you

Sadness

reaction to loss--crying (severe sadness), increased SNS activity, feeling of relieve/relaxation afterwards

other emotions; surprise, disgust, contempt, embarrassment, guilt, shame and pride

Stress, Health and Coping

Health Psychology

Selye's concept of stress

stages; alarm--resistance--exhaustion

Measuring Stress; Lazarus view of stress

factors; interpretation of the event, reaction to it, the nature of the other events in lives

affects of stress on health

indirect effects; behavior changes-loss of sleep, use of substances/anxiety generated by negative suggestion (damage health in the long-term)

direct effects; prolonged SNS activation and cortisol exposure-inhibiting immune system functioning and comprising memory

heart disease; type A personality, type B personality

cancer

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

sufferers; nightmares, emotional outbursts, guilt, and flashbacks causing debilitating panic

Healing; The Psychological and The Somatic

healthy diet, regular exercise, avoidance of drugs and alcohol, regular doctor examinations, controlling negative emotions and managing stress

Coping with Stress

major strategies; problem-focused and emotional-focused (relaxation, exercise, distraction)

social support, reappraisal (rationalizations)