pgs. 440-456
“Not Afraid”
Eminem
“Dog Days are Over”
Glee Cast

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1 . Definition of Emotion: 3 Components a) Subjective/Cognitive b) Physiological c) Behavioural
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2. Expression of Emotion a) Nonverbal communication b) Cultural universals c) Individual differences d) Detecting Deceit e) How to cope with our feelings
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3. Experiencing Emotions a) Fear b) Anger c) Happiness
4. Theories of Emotion

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“Every feeling has its value and significance…”
Our basic driving force is to seek pleasure and avoid pain.
1. Definition: 3 Components a) Subjective:
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Pleasant/unpleasant internal state + Associated thoughts & questions
Appraisals/focus shape emotional experience
Thoughts can intensify emotions b) Physiological:
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Activation of the sympathetic nervous system (p. 441)
Changes in breathing, perspiration, heart rate

p. 443

 p. 441, Fig. 10.20

C) Behavioural Reaction:
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Visible bodily expression
E.g. change in facial expression and body posture

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a) Nonverbal expression:
80 facial muscles involved
Distinct patterns associated with particular emotions http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrgNKGjSyxA
Gender differences in reading and expressing emotions b) Cultural Universals
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Facial expressions represent a universal language
 For primary emotions: fear, anger, joy, disgust, surprise, sadness/distress
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Display rules vary according to culture

 Some individuals are naturally more expressive than others (see ACT items)
 Others are conflicted about showing their emotions (see AEQ items)
 Expression has health benefits!
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Diary studies

 Polygraph:
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Measures autonomic arousal (emotion detector) heart rate, blood pressure, respiration rate, GSR
Lie detector has serious limitations (p. 442)
 Micro-expressions may leak emotions

 Be aware
 Allow and accept
 Regulate: What do you need?

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Fear:
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Can paralyze
Can also lead to adaptive response
Conditioning and observational learning explain acquisition of fears (mediated by amygdala)
Anger:
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Appraisal is critical: Perceived offense against us involving a responsible agent.
What to do with angry feelings?
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Hostile outbursts often lead to escalations
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Brewing/holding-in also detrimental
1) Clarify misunderstanding
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Assert how you feel, what you need
2) Try to see it from the other’s perspective
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Allows forgiveness to occur

 How happy are YOU? p. 450

 Would more money make you happier?
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Student aspirations
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXFydMKIZRA
External events have short-turn impact
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After some time, lottery winners are not much happier than paraplegics
GNP and subjective well-being across countries
Average American is three times as rich as he was in the 60’s but no happier
Relationship between wealthy and happiness is tenuous at best … Yet people aspire to make more money!

(p. 450-454)
 Strong Predictors:
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Love
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Married people report higher levels of happiness
Work Satisfaction
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Substantial association with general happiness
Personality and temperament
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50% or more heritable, but not genetically fixed

 Moderate Predictors:
 Health
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Particularly important later in life
 Social Activity
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Strong personal relationships foster better health and mood
 Religion
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Provides meaning
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Comfort and support
 Especially in times of stress

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Nurture your relationships/ Find love
Practice Acts of Kindness
Find meaning and purpose in your life:
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Through work or spirituality
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Derive meaning from adversity
 What doesn’t kill you will make you stronger
 Practice self-compassion
Work on your outlook:
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Don’t compare yourself to others
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Focus on what you have (rather than what you don’t have)
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Count your blessings; keep a gratitude journal
Don’t dwell on your setbacks
 Distract yourself after a disappointment
Take care of your body

 Does your heart pound because you are afraid, or are you afraid because you feel your heart pounding?
 Fig. 10.25, p. 447

 And