Psychology of Emotions

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary idea behind the Discrete Emotions Theory?

Emotions are solely the product of our thoughts.

Humans experience a small number of distinct emotions that combine in complex ways. (correct)

Emotions are solely a product of our brain scans.

Emotions are solely influenced by cultural differences.

What is the role of the limbic system according to the Discrete Emotions Theory?

It is responsible for our cultural differences in emotion expression.

It follows our thoughts about our emotions.

It is unrelated to our emotions.

It precedes our thoughts about our emotions. (correct)

What are the seven primary emotions believed to be cross-culturally universal?

Happiness, sadness, fear, anger, surprise, pride, and contempt

Awe, happiness, sadness, fear, anger, surprise, and disgust

Pride, awe, happiness, sadness, fear, anger, and contempt

Happiness, disgust, fear, sadness, surprise, anger, and contempt (correct)

What is the difference in display rules between Western and Eastern societies?

Eastern societies show restraint in emotional expression, while Western societies do not. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between primary emotions and facial expressions?

Primary emotions might be associated with distinct facial expressions. Signup and view all the answers

How do negative emotions affect heart rate according to the physiology of emotions?

Heart rate increases more with negative emotions. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the digestive system when we experience fear?

It slows down. Signup and view all the answers

What is a challenge in distinguishing between positive and negative emotions using brain scans?

Happy and sad emotions look the same in brain scans. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between Duchenne and Pan Am smiles?

Duchenne smiles involve different muscles Signup and view all the answers

What do Cognitive Theories of Emotion propose?

Emotions are products of thinking, rather than the other way around Signup and view all the answers

According to the James-Lange theory, what leads to emotions?

Our interpretations of our bodily reactions to stimuli Signup and view all the answers

What is the somatic marker theory?

We use our gut reactions to inform our actions Signup and view all the answers

What is the facial feedback hypothesis?

Our facial expression influences our emotion Signup and view all the answers

What is nonverbal leakage?

The unconscious spillover of emotions into nonverbal behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is the study of personal space and distance?

Proxemics Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for culture-specific gestures?

Emblems Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Emotions and Theories

Emotions are mental states or feelings associated with our evaluation of our experiences
Discrete Emotions Theory proposes that humans experience a small number of distinct emotions, which combine in complex ways
Emotions have biological roots, serve adaptive functions, and precede our thoughts about them
Seven primary emotions are believed to be cross-culturally universal: happiness, disgust, fear, sadness, surprise, anger, and contempt

Primary Emotions and Facial Expressions

Primary emotions might be associated with distinct facial expressions
Facial expressions can be used to distinguish between genuine and fake emotions
Duchenne (real, involuntary) smiles involve different muscles than Pan Am (fake, voluntary) smiles

Physiology and Emotion

Primary emotions might be distinguished by their physiological elements
Heart rate increases more with negative emotions
Digestive system slows down with fear
Multiple brain regions are active in all emotions

Cognitive Theories of Emotion

Cognitive theories propose that emotions are products of thinking, rather than the other way around
James-Lange theory: emotions result from our interpretations of our bodily reactions to stimuli
Cannon-Bard theory: an emotion-provoking event leads simultaneously to an emotional and bodily reaction
Damasio's somatic marker theory: we use our "gut reactions" to inform our actions (limited support)

Emotional Reactions and Expression

Many emotional reactions may be generated automatically
Subliminal exposure to positive or negative cues influences moods
Facial feedback hypothesis: blood vessels in the face feed back information to the brain, altering our experience of emotions
Nonverbal expression: facial expressions, gestures, postures, and nonverbal leakage
Proxemics: the study of personal space, with four levels of distance: public, social, personal, and intimate