Emotions

Question 1

Limbic System

Answer 1

Set of structures in the brain responsible for regulating emotions, as well as for the storage/retrieval of memories (especially those linked to emotion)

Question 2

What four structures make up the limbic system?

Answer 2

Hypothalamus, amygdala, thalamus, hippocampus

(HAT Hippo)

Question 3

Thalamus

Answer 3

The thalamus is a sensory relay station. All senses (except smell) pass through the thalamus and are sent to the appropriate part of the cortex

Question 4

Amygdala

Answer 4

Aggression center of the brain. Stimulation produces agression/anger/anxiety.

Kulver-Bucy syndrome occurs when both halves of the amygdala are destroyed, resulting in disinhibition and hypersexuality.

Question 5

Hippocampus

Answer 5

Plays an important role in memory formation (conversion of information from short term to long term memory)

Damage to hippocampus causes anterograde amnesia

Question 6

Hypothalamus

Answer 6

Regulates autonomic nervous system (fight or flight vs. rest and digest)

Question 7

What role does the cerebral cortex have in emotions?

Answer 7

Positive emotions tend to be processed in the left hemisphere, while negative emotions tend to be processed in the right

Question 8

Paul Ekman’s 6 universal emotions

Answer 8

Happiness, sadness, fear, anger, disgust, surprise

These emotions are recognized by everyone worldwide based on certain facial expressions

Question 9

James Lange Theory of Emotion

Answer 9

Emotions are due to the perception of a physiological response

Event> physiological response> interpretation of physiological response> emotion

Question 10

Cannon Bard Theory of Emotion

Answer 10

Believed physiological response and emotion occurred simultaneously

Event> physiological response + emotion

Question 11

Schacter-singer theory of emotion

Answer 11

Physiological and cognitive responses occur simultaneously to form an emotion

Event> PR + interpretation of event> emotion

Question 12

Lazurus Theory of emotion

Answer 12

Emotion is based on how it is cognitively appraised

Event> appraisal of event (label)> emotion + physiological response

Question 13

Yerke-Dodson Law

Answer 13

People perform best when they are moderately aroused

Question 14

Appraisal Theory of Stress (Lazaurus)

Answer 14

Stress arises from the appraisal/interpretation of stressful events

Two types of appraisal:

1. Primary appraisal: is the event neutral, benign/positive, stressful/negative
2. Secondary appraisal: if the event is stressful, to what extent are we able to cope with it?

Question 15

What are the four types of stressors?

Answer 15

1. Significant life changes
2. Catastrophic events (i.e. natural disasters)
3. Daily hassles (higher for people with lower SES)
4. Ambient stressors: global, environmental stressors (pollution, crowding, etc)

Question 16

What two biological systtems respond to stress?

Answer 16

The nervous system and endocrine system

The sympathetic nervous system mediates the fight or flight response, while the endocrine system regulates the release of catecholemines from the adrenal medulla and cortisol from the adrenal cortex

Question 17

What hormone mediates the tend and befriend response?

Answer 17

Oxytocin

Question 18

What are the three phases of General Adaptation Syndrome (Hans Selye)?

Answer 18

1. Alarm phase: fight or flight kicks in
2. Resistance: body attempts to get out of threat
3. Exhaustion: body’s resources are depleted

Question 19

What are some physical effects of stress on the body?

Answer 19

1. Circulatory system: stress can lead to hypertension, vascular disease, and coronary artery disease
2. Metabolism: stress increases levels of blood sugar
3. Reproductive system: stress shuts down the reproductive system and can lead to impotence if stress is chronic
4. Immune system: stress causes inflammation and chronic stress can lead to suppression of the immune system

Question 20

What two areas of the brain are associated with stress?

Answer 20

The hippocampus and the frontal cortex

Question 21

What is the anterior cingulate and how does it relate to depression?

Answer 21

It is part of the frontal cortex. Depression is associated with decreased responsiveness to serotonin

Question 22

Learned helplessness

Answer 22

Cause of depression; occurs when aversive stimuli beyond ones control cause them to believe that they are powerless

Question 24

What are some examples of maladaptive coping mechanisms?

Answer 24

Dissociation, sensitization, safety behaviors, anxious avoidance, escape