Psychology Chapter 15: Emotions

The pathway where sensory information is processed in the brain, starting with sensory organs and ending with the amygdala.

The thalamus is a relay station in the brain that processes all sensory information except for smell, which goes directly to the olfactory cortex.

The amygdala, located in the temporal lobe, is responsible for processing emotions, particularly fear and anxiety.

Androgens, like testosterone, are hormones that can influence aggression. Levels increase during puberty, and dominant individuals tend to have higher levels.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that acts as a brake on aggression. Low levels are associated with aggression, and individuals with low serotonin may exhibit violent behavior.

The initial stage of the stress response, characterized by the release of hormones like adrenaline, which prepare the body for 'fight or flight'.

The stress response stage where the body attempts to regain balance and restore homeostasis.

The final stage of the stress response, marked by prolonged stress that can weaken the immune system and increase susceptibility to illness.

Immune cells that engulf and destroy invaders like bacteria.

Immune cells that produce antibodies to fight specific invaders.

Immune cells that directly kill infected cells.

Chemical messengers that regulate immune cell production and activation.

Unusual behaviors or thoughts experienced by individuals with schizophrenia.

A decrease in normal behaviors or thoughts seen in individuals with schizophrenia.

The theory that our physical responses to a situation cause our emotions. For example, seeing a bear causes your heart to race, and you interpret this physiological response as fear.

A theory suggesting that schizophrenia is caused by an overproduction of dopamine or increased sensitivity to dopamine.

The theory that our emotional experience and our physiological arousal happen simultaneously. Seeing a bear triggers both a feeling of fear and physiological changes like increased heart rate at the same time.

The theory that emotion is a combination of cognitive appraisal and physiological arousal. Essentially, our emotional experience is shaped by how we interpret the situation and our bodily responses.

A brain structure involved in processing emotional responses, especially fear. It receives sensory input and triggers various physiological responses like the fight-or-flight response.

A set of brain structures that primarily process emotions and motivations. It includes the amygdala, hippocampus, hypothalamus, thalamus, and parts of the cortex.

A set of brain structures proposed by James Papez, which are crucial for emotional processing. It's part of a larger system called the limbic system.

A basic emotion characterized by unpleasant feelings, usually triggered by a perceived threat or danger. It triggers the fight-or-flight response to deal with potential danger.

A basic emotion commonly experienced when someone violates social norms or expectations or when someone feels exposed or humiliated. It's a complex emotion that involves self-consciousness and social awareness.

The theory that our emotions are caused by bodily changes. Different emotions arise from distinct patterns of physiological activation.

The theory that emotions and physiological responses occur simultaneously. The thalamus sends signals to both the cortex and autonomic nervous system.

The theory stating that emotional states result from the interplay between physiological arousal and cognitive interpretation. Our interpretations of events influence our emotional experience.

A theory suggesting that Schizophrenia is caused by underactivation of glutamate receptors.

A type of depression that alternates with normal emotional states.

A mental health condition characterized by periods of depression alternating with periods of expansive mood or mania, and periods of normal mood.