Theories Of Emotion

Bianes, Jean Steven Erick B. BSCE 2-1 08/05/13 Prof. Fabon

Introduction:

There are different theories of emotion to explain what emotions are and how they operate. This is challenging, since emotions can be analysed from many different perspectives. In one sense, emotions are sophisticated and subtle, the epitome of what make us human. In another sense, however, human emotions seem to be very similar to (if not the same as) the responses that other animals display. Further, the emotions that we have and how we express them reflect our social environment, but it also seems likely that emotions were shaped by natural selection over time. These and other conflicting features of the emotions make constructing a theory difficult and have led to the creation of a variety of different theories. Theories of emotion can be categorized in terms of the context within which the explanation is developed. The standard contexts are evolutionary, social and internal. Evolutionary theories attempt to provide an historical analysis of the emotions, usually with a special interest in explaining why humans today have the emotions that they do. Social theories explain emotions as the products of cultures and societies. The internal approach attempts to provide a description of the emotion process itself. This article is organized around these three categories and will discuss the basic ideas that are associated with each. Some specific theories, as well as the main features of emotion will also be explained. The major theories of motivation can be grouped into three main categories: physiological, neurological and cognitive. Physiological theories suggest that responses within the body are responsible for emotions. Neurological theories propose that activity within the brain leads to emotional responses. Finally, cognitive theories argue that thoughts and other mental activity play an essential role in the formation of emotions.

Objectives:

Enumerate some theories of emotion. Name those people formulated theories of emotion. List down the importance of these theories. What are the relation of theories of emotion on our life. Enumerate functions of expressed emotions.

Definition of terms:

Emotion Is a complex, subjective experience accompanied by biological and behavioral changes. Emotion involves feeling, thinking, activation of the nervous system, physiological changes, and behavioral changes such as facial expressions. Feelings Are best understood as a subjective representation of emotions, private to the individual experiencing them. Moods Are diffuse affective states that generally last for much longer durations than emotions and are also usually less intense than emotions. Affect Is an encompassing term, used to describe the topics of emotion, feelings, and moods together, even though it is commonly used interchangeably with emotion. Cognitive Appraisal Provides an evaluation of events and objects. Bodily Symptoms The physiological component of emotional experience. Action Tendencies A motivational component for the preparation and direction of motor responses.

Expression Facial and vocal expression almost always accompanies an emotional state to communicate reaction and intention of actions. Neuroimaging Includes the use of various techniques to either directly or indirectly image the structure, function/pharmacology of the brain. It is a relatively new discipline within medicine and neuroscience/psychology. Personality Is a dynamic and organized set of characteristics possessed by a person that uniquely influences his or her cognitions, emotions, motivations, and behaviours in various situations. Temperament Refers to those aspects of an individual's personality, such

as introversion or extroversion, that are often regarded as innate rather than learned. A great many classificatory schemes for temperament have been developed; none, though, has achieved general consensus in academia. Disposition Is a habit, a preparation, a state of readiness, or a tendency to act in a specified way. Arousal Is a physiological and psychological state of being awake or reactive to stimuli. It involves the activation of the reticular activating system in the brain stem, the autonomic nervous system and the endocrine system, leading to increased heart rate and blood pressure and a condition of sensory alertness, mobility and readiness to respond.

Summary:

Name some theories of emotion. J.B. Watson Theory James-Lange Theory Central Theory: Somatic Theory Dana-Canon Theory Hedonistic Theory

Enumerate those people formulated theories of emotion. William James Carl Lange Walter Bradford Cannon Philip Bard Stanley Schatchter

List down importance of this theory. Helps us to be more aware in ourselves. Gives additional knowledge to our minds. Enlightens individual in evaluating themselves. Answers our personal questions related especially on emotions. Let us know if were suffering emotional problems.

What are the relation of theories of emotion on our life. James-Lange Theory: You are walking down a dark alley late at night. You hear footsteps behind you and you begin to tremble, your heart beats faster, and your breathing deepens. You notice these physiological changes and interpret them as your bodys preparation for a fearful situation. You then experience fear.

 Cannon-Bard Theory: You are walking down a dark alley late at night. You hear footsteps behind you and you begin to tremble, your heart beats faster, and your breathing deepens. At the same time as these physiological changes occur you also experience the emotion of fear. Schachter-Singer Theory: You are walking down a dark alley late at night. You hear footsteps behind you and you begin to tremble, your heart beats faster, and your breathing deepens. Upon noticing this arousal you realize that is comes from the fact that you are walking down a dark alley by yourself. This behavior is dangerous and therefore you fell the emotion of fear. Lazarus Theory: You are walking down a dark alley late at night. You hear footsteps behind you and you think it may be a mugger so you begin to tremble, your heart beats faster, and your breathing deepens and at the same time experience fear. Facial Feedback Theory: You are walking down a dark alley late at night. You hear footsteps behind you and your eyes widen, your teeth clench and your brain interprets these facial changes as the expression of fear. Therefore you experience fear. Enumerate functions of expressed emotions. Fear: Increased visual field and speed of eye movement from widened eyes. Surprise: Increase visual field from widened eyes. Disgust: Constriction of face openings reduce dangerous inhalations. Pride: Increase lung volume in preparation for encountering challengers. Embarrassment: Reduces and hides vulnerable body areeas from potential attacks.

Bibliography:

http://psychology.about.com/od/psychologytopics/a/theories-ofemotion.htm http://www.sparknotes.com/psychology/psych101/emotion/section1.rhtm l https://www.boundless.com/psychology/emotions/theories-ofemotion/theories-of-emotion/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emotion http://www.wcl.ece.upatras.gr/ai/resources/demo-emotion-recognitionfrom-speech http://www.cnx.org/content/m14358/latest http://allpsych.com/psychology101/emotion.html Macmillan Dictionary for Students, Simon and Schuster, New York General Psychology, Kahayon Aquino