PSYC 102 Lecture Notes - Lecture 8: Autonomic Nervous System, Emotion And Memory, Situation Two
Document Summary
Key theme: emotions are complex psychological states that serve many functions in human behavior and relationships. Functions of emotions: early, uneducated ppl: emotions are disruptive forces that interfere with rational behavior (in other words: things that prevent us from making sound decisions) . Current views (thanks to research): emotion moves us to act, set goals, and make rational decisions. People who have lost the capacity to feel emotion because of damage to specific brain areas tend to make disastrous decisions. Emotional intelligence level influences reasoning and decision making. Today: emotions aid in solving adaptive problems posed by the environment: fear: flee an attacker or evade a threat, anger: turn and fight a rival, disgust: avoid a sickening stimulus. Love: seek out a mate and care for our offspring. Emotions do serve a very legitimate purpose, very adaptive, allow us to act appropriately in certain situations, as to avoid danger to ourselves [and others]
