Weekly Reading Blog
Emotions
Note-taking Section
In "Discovering Psychology," Don Hockenbury and Sandra E. Hockenbury define emotions as complex psychological states involving three distinct components: a subjective experience, physiological response, and behavioural response. Different researchers have attempted to identify and classify emotions. Paul Ekman, in 1972, suggested six basic universal emotions: fear, disgust, anger, surprise, happiness, and sadness. Later in 1999, Ekman expanded this list to include other emotions like embarrassment, excitement, contempt, shame, pride, satisfaction, and amusement. Robert Plutchik, in the 1980s, introduced the "wheel of emotions" model, demonstrating how emotions can be combined or mixed.
The subjective experience of emotions varies among individuals and can be influenced by cultural and personal backgrounds. The sympathetic nervous system, a branch of the autonomic nervous system, regulates physiological responses to feelings. Research has shown that the amygdala, part of the limbic system, plays a crucial role in emotions, particularly fear. The third component of emotions is the behavioral response, which includes emotional expressions and body language. Sociocultural norms also influence how we express and interpret emotions.
Several theories of emotion have been proposed. Charles Darwin's evolutionary theory suggests that emotions are adaptive to our environment and improve our chances of survival. The James-Lange theory posits that our physical responses are responsible for feelings. The facial-feedback theory elaborates on this by suggesting that physical activity influences emotions. The Cannon-Bard theory claims that people experience emotional and physical responses simultaneously. The Schachter-Singer and cognitive appraisal theories assert that our thoughts or mental processes are responsible for emotions.
Paul Ekman established six universal emotions: happiness, sadness, fear, disgust, anger, and surprise. Emotions, feelings, and moods are often used interchangeably but have distinct meanings. Emotions are short-lived, intense reactions to stimuli, while feelings are experiences resulting from emotions influenced by our perception of the situation. Moods are temporary emotional states, which may or may not have clear reasons.
If struggling with a low mood or difficult emotions, it is essential to consult a doctor or mental health professional for support, guidance, and solutions.
Note Taking.
This week's resources on the psychology of emotions resonated with me, especially as they relate to my own personal life experiences. One such experience was the emotional journey I went through when I moved from Indonesia to study in the United States. This big transition in my life was full of emotions because I had to leave friends, family and everything I knew.
Readings on emotion theory provide insight into how we detect and understand our own and others' emotions. In the weeks leading up to my departure, I experienced a mixture of excitement, sadness and fear. I could identify these feelings in myself and my friends when we hung out, stayed overnight, and drove to the mountains and the beach. We live in the moment and cherish the time we spent together before we embarked on our respective journeys.
As the days passed and I started saying goodbye to friends who were going to study in countries like Australia, the UK and Singapore, the reality of our impending separation slowly dawned. Parting at the airport was especially emotional because I realized that it might be years before we meet again. Friends who were like sisters to me are now leaving and I can't be emotional. The flight to the US was also a rollercoaster of emotions, with tears streaming down my face as I thought about the uncertainty of the future. The theory of emotions discussed in the resource helped me understand why I felt such mixed emotions during this period. For instance, the phenomenon of emotional contagion explains why I cry when I witness friends and family members saying goodbye.
Looking back, I can see that as I grew accustomed to my new environment and kept learning, my fears and worries vanished. I kept in touch with my old friends and managed to make new ones, slowly building a support system in my new home. Now, . I feel a sense of growth and accomplishment as I consider moving after graduating from high school and my upcoming graduation. The resources this week have increased my understanding of the complexity of emotions and how they impact our lives. By understanding the various theories of emotion and how they apply to real life, I can better relate to and support others who may be having similar experiences.
Creative Section.
This is the first painting I got from my mom’s friend. If you look closely, you will see a random line, but if you look enough, you will recognize someone; yes, that’s right, he’s Albert Einstein.
