Biopsychology of Emotion

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Questions and Answers

In the context of biopsychology, how are emotions most accurately characterized?

  • As distinct entities that operate independently.
  • As responses triggered exclusively by external stimuli.
  • As solely cognitive interpretations of physiological responses.
  • As a category of behaviors that manifest. (correct)

How does the modern biopsychological view of emotion differ from the James-Lange and Cannon-Bard theories?

  • It posits that emotions are solely the result of cognitive appraisal, dismissing physiological responses.
  • It suggests that physiological responses cause emotions, without any role for perception.
  • It claims that perception and emotional response do not influence each other.
  • It suggests that perception, physiological reactions, and emotional responses interact with each other. (correct)

What role does classical conditioning play in the timing of hunger, and how does it challenge traditional understandings of hunger?

  • It suggests hunger arises solely from a lack of nutrients at any given time, overriding conditioned responses.
  • It reduces hunger to a purely physiological response to nutrient deficiency independent of external cues.
  • It implies hunger is primarily a learned response to expected food intake times, rather than solely based on immediate nutrient needs. (correct)
  • It suggests that classical conditioning only affects the types of foods one craves and not the timing of hunger.

Why is it considered more beneficial to view emotions as behaviors that manifest, rather than discrete entities, within the field of biopsychology?

<p>Because it allows for a more comprehensive understanding of how emotions influence and are influenced by observable actions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Given the modern biopsychological perspective, how can you strategically intervene to manage an emotional response, such as sadness?

<p>By combining cognitive reappraisal techniques with strategies that modulate physiological responses. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Considering the Ekman and Friesen's (1975) research on primary facial expressions, how does cultural conditioning interact with these innate emotional displays?

<p>Cultural context primarily influences the intensity and appropriateness of emotional display, rather than fundamentally changing the expressions themselves. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the understanding of emotions as defensive or aggressive behaviors, in biopsychology, influence approaches to conflict resolution and mental health treatment?

<p>It encourages the development of methods that address the needs and underlying motivations behind behaviors, instead of merely suppressing emotions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Considering the roles of the amygdala and medial prefrontal cortex in emotional processing, how might damage to the medial prefrontal cortex uniquely affect emotional regulation?

<p>It would significantly reduce the conscious ability to suppress or re-evaluate emotional responses, while leaving the initial emotional reaction intact. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The two-system view of the human stress response involves the sympathetic nervous system and the...

<p>Pituitary gland. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the interaction between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems change during the initial phase of the stress response, and what is the significance of this shift?

<p>The sympathetic system becomes dominant while dialling down the parasympathetic system, which reallocates resources for immediate survival functions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does chronic activation of the stress response system impact the hippocampus, considering its role in episodic memories?

<p>It damages the ability of neurons to connect, impairing the formation of new episodic memories. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Given that stress responses are beneficial in short bursts, how do prolonged stress responses lead to maladaptive behavior and body changes?

<p>By disrupting hormonal balance and damaging key brain structures, leading to diverse physical and mental health issues. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the leaky-barrel model of body-weight homeostasis, how does the 'weight of the barrel on the hose' relate to eating behavior?

<p>It corresponds to the strength of the satiety signal, and it increases as the barrel is fuller. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the James-Lange theory of emotion, what is the relationship between physiological responses and emotions?

<p>Physiological responses directly cause emotions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the amygdala play in processing fear-inducing stimuli, and how does it contribute to emotional significance?

<p>The amygdala processes sensory inputs and assigns appropriate emotional significance and response, which leads to fear. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the hormone insulin regulate blood sugar levels, and what is its secondary role in energy storage within the body?

<p>Insulin lowers blood sugar levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells and promoting the storage of fat, protein, and glycogen. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

From an evolutionary perspective, why are humans predisposed to crave foods high in sugar and carbohydrates, as opposed to bitter-tasting foods?

<p>Sweetness indicates high-calorie content, desirable for survival, while bitter tastes indicates toxins or chemicals. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the cephalic stage of energy metabolism, what physiological processes are initiated, and what is their primary function?

<p>The release of insulin and preparation of the digestive system, optimizing the body to process and store anticipated food intake. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to set point assumption theories, what mechanisms does the body employ to maintain stable energy levels, and how do these relate to hunger?

<p>The body's glucose and body fat levels are actively kept within stable parameters, with deviations triggering hunger to recalibrate toward a preferred level. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Considering 'satiety signals' that influence how much we eat, how does 'volume and nutrient density' send signals that causes us to stop eating?

<p>High volume and high nutrient density are more effective in triggering satiety compared to low volume or low nutrient density. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the key distinctions between Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa, particularly in terms of compensatory behaviors?

<p>Anorexia involves extreme restriction of food intake, potentially leading to an extremely low body weight, while Bulimia involves binge-eating and/or purging. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do cultural factors influence the perception of what humans perceive as delicious?

<p>Culture plays a significant role in shaping our taste preferences, leading to cuisines that contain certain bacterial growths on meat/diary. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Stress can influence how the Gall Bladder works via...

<p>Sympathetic activation, resulting in the inhibition of the gall bladder. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the efferent pathway of the Autonomic division?

<p>Controls most involuntary bodily functions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is responsible for increasing blood glucose and reducing inflammation to prepare for a stress-induced action?

<p>Cortisol. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the pituitary gland interact with the adrenal glands in the two-system view of the human stress response?

<p>The pituitary gland releases hormones that stimulate the adrenal cortex, which then releases glucocorticoids like cortisol. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Given the limited understanding of exact brain mechanisms in emotional processing, which recent advancement shows promise in furthering this understanding?

<p>The integration of cognitive neuroscience. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the stages of energy metabolism, how doesstored fat and nutrients fulfill body needs during the fasting stage?

<p>By breaking down stored fats and proteins into glucose and other energy sources. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

James-Lange Theory

A theory positing emotion as a result of the body's response to stimuli.

Cannon-Bard Theory

A theory positing body and emotion occur simultaneously and independently.

Primary Facial Expressions

Facial expressions of anger, disgust, fear, happiness, neutral, sadness, and surprise.

Biopsychology of Emotions

Defensive and aggressive patterns driven by emotion.

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Limbic System

Brain structures including thalamus, amygdala, hippocampus. Primarily involved in experiencing and expressing emotion.

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Amygdala

Brain structure involved that receives sensory inputs and assigns emotional significance and response to them.

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Medial Prefrontal Cortex

Cortex involved in conscious suppression/re-evaluation of emotional response.

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Stress Response

A set of physiological changes brought about by either psychological or physical stressors.

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Sympathetic Nervous System

System that activates under stress, releasing norepinephrine and adrenaline.

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Pituitary Gland

System that activates under stress, releasing glucocorticoids from the adernal cortex.

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Parasympathetic Nervous System

Helps the body relax, prepare, or conserve energy.

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Glucocorticoids

Hormones produced by the adrenal cortex in response to stress; cortisol is the most important.

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Hippocampus Damage

Stress can hinder the ability of neurons to connect here.

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Insulin

Hormone that regulates blood sugar levels and promotes energy storage.

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Cephalic Stage

Stage of energy metabolism with preparation to eat, high insulin levels.

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Absorptive Stage

Stage of energy metabolism with high insulin, food fulfills body needs.

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Fasting Stage

Stage of energy metabolism with low insulin, stored fat and nutrients fulfill needs.

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Why we eat

Food, sweetness, and calories.

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Satiety

The internal feeling of fullness experienced after eating.

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Anorexia Nervosa

Eating disorder characterized by chronic attempts at fasting and weight loss due to misconception of body image.

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Bulimia Nervosa

Eating disorder characterized by binge-eating and voluntarily induced vomiting. Body image is often a core part.

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Study Notes

Theories on Emotion

  • James-Lange Theory (1884) posits that emotion results from the body's response
  • Cannon-Bard Theory (1915) suggests the body and emotion are parallel
  • The modern biopsychological view suggests that prior theories have insufficient evidence and elements interact with each other

Neural Processing of Emotion

  • Exact mechanisms of how the brain processes emotions or interprets the emotions of others aren't known
  • Cognitive neuroscience has allowed progress to be made in this area

Facial Expressions

  • Ekman & Friesen identified primary facial expressions in 1975

Biopsychology of Emotions

  • Emotions are viewed as behaviors they manifest rather than discrete entities in biopsychology
  • Fear and disgust are examples of defensive behaviors designed to preserve safety
  • Anger is considered an aggressive behavior with the purpose of inflicting harm on others

Limbic System

  • "Thalamus and friends" are key components in the limbic system
  • The limbic system is responsible for the experience and expression of emotion
  • Key areas include the amygdala, corpus callosum, hippocampus, and mamillary bodies

Amygdala Studies

  • Studies have found that nervous signals indicating fear route through the amygdala
  • The amygdala receives sensory inputs and assigns them the appropriate emotional significance/response

Medial Prefrontal Cortex (Cognition and Emotion)

  • The frontal cortex is responsible for higher cognitive processes
  • Medial Prefrontal Cortex activation occurs during conscious cognitive suppression/re-evaluation of emotional response like stopping oneself from feeling sad
  • Cognition and emotion are parts of the same system, in line with the modern view of emotion

Stress Response

  • Stress is a set of physiological changes brought about by psychological or physical stressors

Two-System View of Human Stress Response

  • The stressor activates the brain, which in turn activates the sympathetic nervous system and the pituitary gland
  • The sympathetic nervous system stimulates the adrenal medulla
  • This releases norepinephrine and adrenaline
  • The pituitary gland stimulates the adrenal cortex
  • This releases glucocortocoids

Parasympathetic vs. Sympathetic Nervous System

  • The autonomic division's efferent pathway controls most involuntary bodily functions
  • Parasympathetic nervous system leads to involuntary actions that relax, prepare, or conserve energy
  • Sympathetic nervous system leads to involuntary actions that tense, activate, or release energy

Glucocorticoids

  • Stressors induce the body to produce glucocorticoids
  • Glucocorticoids are responsible for the stress response in the body
  • Cortisol (aka hydrocortisone) is the most important stress hormone in humans
  • The hormone increases blood glucose and reduces inflammation to prepare for a stress-induced action

Effects of Stress

  • Stress responses are beneficial in short bursts
  • Prolonged stress responses lead to maladaptive behavior and body changes
  • Studies on stressed children have shown several brain and endocrine system abnormalities as they developed

Stress on the Hippocampus

  • Stress can damage the ability of neurons to connect in the hippocampus, which is responsible for episodic memories
  • Due to stress hormones, particularly corticosterone

The Hormone Insulin

  • The pancreas produces the hormone, and it regulates blood sugar levels
  • Insulin facilitates the conversion of excess sugars to fat and glycogen
  • It also enables the conversion of amino acids to proteins, also facilitating the storage of fat in adipose, protein in muscle, and glycogen in the liver
  • Glucagon counteracts insulin by promoting the turning of fat/protein/glycogen into blood glucose

Stages of Energy Metabolism

  • Cephalic Phase: High insulin as the body prepares to eat food
  • Absorptive Phase: High insulin as food being eaten fulfills body needs
  • Fasting Stage: Low insulin as stored fat and nutrients fulfill body needs

Theories on Hunger

  • Set Point Assumption Theories: Hunger occurs due to insufficient glucose levels or deviation in body fat
  • Positive-Incentive Theories: Hunger stems from evolved cravings

What We Eat

  • Animals develop a taste for materials that lead to an influx of calories
  • Individuals are more attracted to foods with sugar or carbohydrates due to high calorie content
  • Bitter tastes are indicative of toxins or undesirable chemicals
  • Cultural influences what humans perceive as delicious via cuisine
  • Some cultures enjoy the taste of bacterial growths on meat or diary

When We Feel Hunger

  • Hunger isn't due to a lack of nutrients
  • The body expects food at certain times and prepares itself for the incoming nutrition
  • Classical conditioning plays a role

How Much We Eat

  • The feeling of fullness experienced after eating is called satiety
  • Signals that induce satiety depend on volume and nutrient density of the food
  • Appetizers, large serving sizes, eating with others, and food variety increase the amount of food we eat

Common Eating Disorders

  • Anorexia Nervosa: Chronic attempts at fasting and weight loss due to a misconception of body image
  • Bulimia Nervosa: Binge-eating and forced vomiting to satisfy cravings and maintain body image

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