Reflection 1: This unit changed my mind about the purpose of emotions. I used to think of them as simple feelings that sometimes get in the way of logic. However, seeing the Intrapersonal and Interpersonal functions showed me that emotions are actually a highly advanced system for survival and communication. Learning about Cultural Display Rules was also very eye-opening, as it explained why people from different backgrounds might seem to feel things differently, even though the internal biological emotion is the same. It taught me that to understand a person, you must understand both their biological feelings and their social training
Reflection 2: One of the most important things I learned is that 'negative' emotions like fear or disgust are not actually bad; they are essential for our survival. For example, the Intrapersonal Function of disgust protects us from eating dangerous food, while fear prepares our body to face a threat. Before this unit, I thought being 'emotionally strong' meant not feeling these things, but now I understand that these feelings are a fast and efficient signaling system that helps us stay alive
Reflection 3:The concept of Social Referencing really changed how I think about social interaction. It is fascinating that we look at other people’s emotional reactions to decide if a new situation is safe or dangerous. This Interpersonal Function shows that emotions are a shared language that helps groups stay coordinated. It made me realize that my own emotional expressions can influence the people around me, either by making them feel calm or by making them feel anxious