Chapter 10: Emotion pgs. 440-456

Music: “Not Afraid”

Eminem

“Dog Days are Over”

Glee Cast

Agenda 1. Definition of Emotion: 3 Components

a) Subjective/Cognitive b) Physiological c) Behavioural

2. Expression of Emotion a) Nonverbal communication b) Cultural universals c) Individual differences d) Detecting Deceit e) How to cope with our feelings

3. Experiencing Emotions a) Fear b) Anger c) Happiness

4. Theories of Emotion

1. Emotion “Every feeling has its value and significance…” Our basic driving force is to seek pleasure and avoid pain.

1. Definition: 3 Componentsa) Subjective: Pleasant/unpleasant internal state + Associated thoughts &

questions Appraisals/focus shape emotional experience Thoughts can intensify emotions

b) Physiological: Activation of the sympathetic nervous system (p. 441) Changes in breathing, perspiration, heart rate

1. b) Physiological component:p. 443

1. b) Physiological Response (continued) p. 441, Fig. 10.20

1. Third component of emotion:

C) Behavioural Reaction: Visible bodily expression E.g. change in facial expression and body

posture

2. Expression of Emotion: a) Nonverbal expression:

80 facial muscles involvedDistinct patterns associated with particular emotions

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrgNKGjSyxA

Gender differences in reading and expressing emotions

b) Cultural Universals Facial expressions represent a universal language

For primary emotions: fear, anger, joy, disgust, surprise, sadness/distress

Display rules vary according to culture

2. c) Individual Differences in Emotional Expression:

Some individuals are naturally more expressive than others (see ACT items)

Others are conflicted about showing their emotions (see AEQ items)

Expression has health benefits! Diary studies

2. d) Detecting Deceit: Polygraph:

Measures autonomic arousal (emotion detector) heart rate, blood pressure, respiration rate, GSR Lie detector has serious limitations (p. 442)

Micro-expressions may leak emotions

2. e) How to cope with our feelings Be aware Allow and accept Regulate: What do you need?

3. Experiencing Emotion Fear:

Can paralyze Can also lead to adaptive response Conditioning and observational learning explain acquisition of

fears (mediated by amygdala) Anger:

Appraisal is critical: Perceived offense against us involving a responsible agent.

What to do with angry feelings? Hostile outbursts often lead to escalations Brewing/holding-in also detrimental

1) Clarify misunderstanding Assert how you feel, what you need

2) Try to see it from the other’s perspective Allows forgiveness to occur

3. Happiness: How happy are YOU? p. 450

3. Happiness Would more money make you happier?

Student aspirations http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXFydMKIZRA

External events have short-turn impact After some time, lottery winners are not much happier

than paraplegics GNP and subjective well-being across countries Average American is three times as rich as he was in

the 60’s but no happier Relationship between wealthy and happiness is

tenuous at best … Yet people aspire to make more money!

3. Happiness (p. 450-454)

Strong Predictors: Love

Married people report higher levels of happiness

Work Satisfaction Substantial association with general

happiness Personality and temperament

50% or more heritable, but not genetically fixed

3. Happiness Moderate Predictors:

Health Particularly important later in life

Social Activity Strong personal relationships foster better

health and mood Religion

Provides meaning Comfort and support

Especially in times of stress

3. Invest in Happiness Nurture your relationships/ Find love Practice Acts of Kindness Find meaning and purpose in your life:

Through work or spirituality Derive meaning from adversity

What doesn’t kill you will make you stronger Practice self-compassion

Work on your outlook: Don’t compare yourself to others Focus on what you have (rather than what you don’t have)

Count your blessings; keep a gratitude journal Don’t dwell on your setbacks

Distract yourself after a disappointment Take care of your body

4. Theories of Emotion Does your heart pound because you are afraid, or

are you afraid because you feel your heart pounding?

Fig. 10.25, p. 447

See you next week And