Emotions: A Psychological Overview

Complex psychological states involving a subjective experience, physiological response, and behavioral expression.

Universal, fundamental emotions across cultures.

Personal and individual experience of an emotion, ranging from mild to intense.

Physical changes in the body like heart rate or sweating, that occur with an emotion.

Actions or expressions related to an emotion, like crying or smiling.

Experiencing multiple emotions at once regarding an event or situation.

Categorization of different types of emotions, including universal basic emotions, as well as added ones.

Emotions that are experienced similarly across different cultures.

Emotions that can be unpleasant and disrupt daily life, such as envy, anger, sadness, and fear.

Chronic fear is associated with anxiety, leading to inflammation and weakened immunity.

Happiness is linked to longer life expectancy, whereas chronic sadness is associated with poorer health.

Anger is linked to increased risk of heart-related illnesses.

Developing productive ways to express emotions is crucial for maintaining good health.

The part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for the 'fight-or-flight' response, preparing the body to deal with threats.

A brain structure, part of the limbic system, crucial for processing emotions, especially fear. It's like the brain's alarm system.

The ability to understand and manage your own emotions, and recognize and respond to the emotions of others.

Shared rules and expectations about how emotions should be expressed and interpreted based on culture.

The theory that emotions are adaptive, helping us survive and reproduce.

This theory suggests that our physiological responses cause our emotions, like a racing heart causing fear.

Suggests that facial expressions can influence and even create emotions, like forcing a smile leads to happiness.

This theory argues that physiological responses and emotional experiences occur simultaneously, independently of each other.

This theory emphasizes the role of our thoughts and interpretations in determining our emotions.

Similar to the Schachter-Singer theory, suggests that we first assess a situation and then experience an emotion based on that interpretation.

Basic, universal emotions that are common across cultures, like happiness, sadness, fear, anger, disgust, and surprise.

Emotions that are more complex and develop from primary emotions.

A positive emotion associated with feelings of well-being, satisfaction, and joy.

A negative emotion characterized by feelings of sorrow, grief, or despair.

Emotions arise from both physiological arousal and cognitive interpretation of that arousal.

Bodily changes like heart rate and breathing that occur during an emotional response.

The way we mentally label and understand our physiological arousal.

The feeling we experience as a result of physiological arousal and cognitive interpretation.

The specific circumstance or event that triggers the emotional response.

Emotions strongly affect our daily decisions, activities, and overall well-being.

It helps us manage stress, regulate our emotions, and become more self-aware and mindful.

The personal and unique way each individual experiences an emotion.

The almond-shaped brain structure that's vital for processing emotions, especially fear.

The amygdala becomes more active when a person is exposed to threatening images or situations.

Can impair the ability to experience and process fear effectively.

The body's automatic response to danger, preparing you to either fight or flee.

We constantly observe and attempt to understand the emotional expressions of others.

Nonverbal communication through facial expressions, gestures, posture, and movement.

Emotions like fear, excitement, and distress.

Emotions like calmness, serenity, and peace.

Emotions are adaptive traits that help us survive.

An emotion triggered by perceived or real threats, leading to a fight-or-flight response.

An emotion expressed through frowning, yelling, or aggressive behavior.

A sudden emotion that can be pleasant or unpleasant.

Emotions are the initial physiological reactions, while feelings are how we interpret and experience those emotions based on our perception of the situation.

Mood is a more prolonged, lasting emotional state, often lacking a clear trigger, while emotions are short-lived and have identifiable causes.

Emotions can significantly influence our physical health, both positively and negatively. Chronic stress and negative emotions are linked to inflammation, lowered immunity, and chronic diseases.

Emotion involves three main components: physiological arousal, psychological appraisal, and subjective experience.

Suggests that we experience emotions as a result of our physiological arousal, meaning we feel fear after our heart starts racing, not the other way around.

Proposes that physiological arousal and emotional experience occur simultaneously and independently, meaning we feel fear at the same time our heart races.

Suggests that our facial expressions influence our emotional experience, meaning suppressing a smile can make you feel less happy.

The process of assessing and interpreting a situation, which can significantly influence our emotional experience.

Our cultural background and experiences shape how we understand and express emotions, creating diverse interpretations of similar situations.

The ability to manage and modulate our emotions effectively, including identifying, understanding, and expressing them appropriately.

Strategies for managing challenging emotions, such as talking to a mental health professional, practicing relaxation techniques, or seeking support from others.

By understanding our own emotions, we can learn to manage them effectively, build stronger relationships, and make better choices in life.