James-Lange Theory
“after the fact”
physical changes in the body happen first which then leads to the experience of the emotion
Cannon-Bard Theory
stimulating events trigger feelings/physical reactions at the same time
Schacter-Singer Theory
combines both cannon and james theory
- suggest that the physical/mental arousal occurs first and then reason is identified for this arrousal and labeled as an emotion
how are emotional judgements affected by stimuli?
(giving amphetamine vs placebo)
the subjects given the arousing drug had a much stronger reaction, maarte na response
facial feedback
arranging facial muscles emotional configurations affects the quality of emotion
(ie, making a smile low-key makes u feel a little better)
Facial Feedback (Altering)
generic emotions correspond to “universal” qualities of associated facial expression, also producing corresponding body responses
[facial position = producing that actually emotion]
the complexity of emotions
- emotions plays role in evaluative and communicative processes
- newborn wired to mimic emotion expressions
- emotional expression shaped by social interactions
- cultural rules for displaying emotions
amygdala
- the emotional center of the brain
- plays a critical role in both producing and interpreting emotion
Cortico-Medial Amygdala
- primary response to critical situations
- rage (anger/fear) + extreme aggression
Lateral Amygdala = Startle Reflex
startle reflex: sudden loud noise => freeze, tense neck to protect spine, increase heart rate
startle reflex
influence by amygdala connections
- from pain fibers, and visual and auditory input to detect and learn negative associations
- to central gray area of midbrain = part of tegmenjtum for motor control, esp neck muscles
- to hypothalamus, influences autonomic NS response (ex, blood pressure, heart rate..)
Central & Basolateral Nuclei = Conditioned Fear
- conditioned fear, via integration of sensory info (vision + pain)
- unlearned startle relflex (ie loud nosies) can be further conditioned (modified via learning)
- if visual stimuli is paired w/ noxious stimulus light along comes to elicit fear
- once association is learned = enhances stim
- continuous addition of unpleasant stim can further enhances startle reflex
-addition of pleasant stim decreases startle reflex - ^ aid memory to emotionally laden stim via connections to/from hippocampus (ie emotion provoking images or words, if not too intense, remembered better than neutral)
Contemporary research on amygdala
- focuses on shared emotion
- amygdala active not just when feel/express but also when observing emotions in other
Urbach-wiethe Disease
- degenerative calcification in amygdala
- unable to show and express emotion and unable to interpret the emotions of others
- can’t judge if someone is approachable or not
- can intreat eyes, maybe cuz eyes are such a big brain area
- patients generally placid
Anterior Insular Cortex
- medial to anterior temporal lobes: also includes primary gustatory cortex)
- damage = impairs recognition & production of disgust, social reaction in humans
- also connected to hindbrain cranial neves for control of facial muscles
Emotional Facial Paraesis
- anterior insular is connected to midbrain cranial nerves for control of facial muscles
- damage: can produce a facial expression on command but unable to do so naturally
–> unable to socially participate
Volitional Facai Pareasis
- contrast to primary motor cortex for facials area and/or its connections to facial nerves
- damage: cannot produce facial expression on command but can so naturally
Frontal Cortex
- many reciprocal connections with amygdala
- important in expressing, inhibiting and reading emotion
Prefrontal Cortex
damage > loos of inhibition, socially inappropriate behavior, sudden aggressions
ex. phineas gage, survived steel rod in/out prefrontal cortex
- cognition ok but very different sort of aggressive personality
Theory of Mind
- attribute knowledge, emotion to others (knowledge, feelings, etc to self and others)
- inappropriate prefrontal amygdala interaction may be critical in autism
–> unable to form reciprocal connections between the amygdala and orbital cortex
Helplessness
Interpretation of own responses can influence impact of stress
- helplessness lead to overactive parasympathetic rebound
[rat example
- 2 rats yoked together, get shocked unless rat 1 goes on wheel but rat 2 doest know this and has no option but to get shocked and gets depresso while rate 1 is hopeful cuz there is a solution but if u take out prefrontal rat 2 has no reaction/no ulcers]
Gambling Task
- normal: feel anxiety before taking from bad piles and shift to better even before can explain decision
- prefrontal lesioned: do not develop anxiety but still feel bad from penalty
- amygdala: no anxiety, no shift and no negative emotion at penalty
Von Economo (“Spindle”) Cells
- long fibers, but branch little = for communication bt distant brain areas w/out intervening influence
- found only in large brained animal (humans, elephant, whales)
- connect the anterior insula (critical I emotional expression in social contexts) with anterior cingulate (evaluates and keeps score of how things are going, social activities: go or no go)
What are the neurotransmitter involved with the emotional control of behavior?
- Serotonin - major role in mood setting and emotional responsibility
- Gaba - responsible for serotonin turnover
- CCK - stimulation of (excitatory) CCK sites in Amygdala = enhanced startle reflex
