Psychology of Adaptation and Emotion

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Questions and Answers

What psychological benefits were observed in participants who engaged in gratitude journaling for three weeks?

Increased feelings of depression

Diminished social ties and connections

Increased anxiety and sleep disturbances

Greater activation in reward circuits of the brain (correct)

Which of the following functions does gratitude serve as a moral affect?

It reinforces moral behavior in benefactors (correct)

It solely motivates selfish behavior

It discourages prosocial interactions

It diminishes a sense of community

In the studies regarding gratitude and emotional support, what was a key finding about participants in the gratitude condition?

They felt more connected to others (correct)

They increased their solitary activities

They offered less help to others

They were less optimistic about the future

What relationship did grooming among chimpanzees show in their food-sharing behavior?

Previous grooming interactions influenced food sharing between specific individuals Signup and view all the answers

What effect did gratitude have on heart failure patients aged 65, according to self-reports?

Better sleep and reduced depression Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following outcomes is NOT linked to the practice of gratitude?

Increased rates of cardiovascular diseases Signup and view all the answers

What was a finding related to feelings of gratitude in participants following help from a confederate in a study?

They were more likely to complete a tedious survey Signup and view all the answers

How does gratitude enhance an individual's sense of self-worth?

By recognizing the kindness from others Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of gratitude helps facilitate reciprocal altruism?

It motivates the grateful person to behave prosocially Signup and view all the answers

What is the Principle of Cost-Benefit Reversal primarily focused on?

Motivating individuals to give despite potential costs Signup and view all the answers

What triggers a sympathy breakthrough according to the content?

Direct eye contact with an enemy combatant Signup and view all the answers

How is cortisol related to interpersonal relationships based on the content?

Higher levels are linked to difficulty in forgiving partners Signup and view all the answers

What does reverence recognize according to the provided definitions?

The significance of what is sacred and important in life Signup and view all the answers

In the context of emotions according to the content, what does the Principle of Reliable Identification suggest?

Emotions serve as hard-to-manipulate indicators of trustworthiness Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between elevation and human actions as described in the content?

Human actions are categorized along a scale from good to evil Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, how does the Principle of Contagious Cooperation function in social dynamics?

Kindness can trigger pro-social behaviors in others, enhancing cooperation Signup and view all the answers

What emotion is triggered in individuals who witness acts of goodness or kindness?

Elevation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a reported effect of experiencing elevation?

Desire to isolate oneself Signup and view all the answers

Hedonic adaptation explains which of the following phenomena?

People maintain stable happiness despite life changes Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'depression gene' 5HTTLPR associate with?

Vulnerability to depression under stress Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect does gratitude NOT enhance according to the information provided?

Comparison with others Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic defines the concept of 'Homo Economicus'?

Pleasure maximization and competition Signup and view all the answers

In the gratitude study, how much happier were participants who kept a gratitude journal compared to other groups?

25 percent happier Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about elevation is true?

It can lead to life-altering personal change. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant outcome of elevated participants following the viewing of elevating acts?

More likelihood to volunteer for humanitarian causes Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Adaptation

Adaptation involves adjusting to one's environment through behavioral or physiological changes, vital for survival.
An evolutionarily stable strategy is a trait that performs well in competition over time, influencing reproductive success.

Principles of Emotional Influence

Cost-Benefit Reversal: Positive emotions mitigate giving costs, fostering generosity.
Reliable Identification: Emotions are challenging to manipulate, serving as trustworthy indicators of character.
Contagious Cooperation: Kindness spreads; individuals who inspire goodness in others promote cooperative behaviors.

Sympathy Breakthrough

A moment when soldiers recognize the humanity of their enemies, often triggered by personal contact.
George Orwell's encounter with a wounded soldier exemplifies this phenomenon.

Cortisol

Cortisol, a stress hormone, aids in fat metabolism during stress but re-deposits fat post-crisis.
High cortisol levels correlate with negative relationship outcomes and can increase unforgiving attitudes.

Reverence

Acknowledgment of what is sacred, opposing individualistic societal norms.
Grounded in unity and shared humanity.

Elevation

The concept that human actions can be placed on a moral vertical scale, from good to evil.
Elevation occurs when witnessing virtuous acts, inspiring viewers to strive for similar moral behaviors.
Positive reactions include feelings of warmth, increased altruism, and aspirations to improve oneself.

Set Point

Set point refers to an innate potential for happiness throughout life, believed to be unchangeable.

Hedonic Adaptation

Tendency to return to a stable level of happiness despite life's ups and downs.
Influenced by rising aspirations and social comparisons; gratitude can slow the process.

Materialism

A value system that prioritizes material wealth as a measure of success, often compromising ethical and social values.

Homo Economicus Characteristics

Pleasure Maximization: Individuals pursue personal gratification relentlessly.
Competition: Cooperation often perceived as a cultural facade masking self-interest.
Bias Towards Negativity: Bad experiences and emotions are more impactful and memorable than positive ones.

Depression Gene

Linked to the 5HTTLPR gene, with the short allele associated with higher depression risk, especially following stressful events.

Gratitude

Acknowledges the sacredness of received kindness, enhancing personal happiness.
Key benefits:
- Savoring positive moments and enhancing self-worth
- Stress coping and encouragement of moral behavior
- Strengthening social relationships and reducing social comparisons

Empirical Findings on Gratitude

Gratitude journals linked to increased happiness (25%) and physical health benefits.
Improved sleep quality and reduced health complaints noted among participants.
Gratitude fosters helping behavior and enhances feelings of connection with others.

Gratitude as a Moral Affect

Links receiving support to the motivation to give back, implying a moral obligation to acknowledge kindness.
Functions of gratitude:
- Moral barometer
- Motivates prosocial behavior
- Reinforces moral actions in benefactors

Reciprocal Altruism in Primates

Studies show that social bonds among chimpanzees influence food sharing behaviors based on prior grooming interactions.
Reciprocity enhances overall welfare within social groups.

Best Possible Self

Visualization exercise focusing on achieving life goals in various domains promotes well-being.
Engaging in this exercise fosters mood improvement and a sense of control over achieving one’s aspirations.

Importance of Writing in Self-Reflection

Writing provides structure, enabling organization and analysis of thoughts, which aids in understanding personal motivations and goals.
Clarifies life priorities and potential conflicts, enhancing emotional well-being and goal achievement.

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Description

Explore the intricate relationship between adaptation, emotional influence, and physiological responses. This quiz delves into concepts like evolutionarily stable strategies, the role of emotions in behavior, and the phenomenon of sympathy among individuals. Test your understanding of how these elements interact in psychological contexts.