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Emotions and Psychopathology
Understanding Cognitive Influences
Cognitive science focuses on information acquisition, processing, storage, and retrieval. Unconscious cognitive processes resemble aspects of Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theory. Cognitive processes play a crucial role in memory formation and retrieval. Scientists have discovered that much mental activity occurs unconsciously. New insights from cognitive science contribute to understanding psychopathology.
Classical Conditioning and Cognitive Processes
Robert Rescorla's research challenged the simplistic view of classical conditioning. Pairing events closely in time is not sufficient for learning; cognitive processes influence outcomes. Different judgments and cognitive processes determine the final learning outcome. Rescorla's experiment with animals showed that the meaning of stimuli varies based on context. Basic conditioning paradigms help in learning relationships among environmental events.
Robert Rescorla's Experiment
Rescorla's experiment demonstrated that contiguity alone does not lead to the same conditioning. Pairing a neutral stimulus and an unconditioned stimulus does not always result in effective conditioning. The experiment highlighted the importance of context and meaningful associations in conditioning. Element Symbol Atomic Number Discovery Notes Hydrogen H 1 First isolated by Henry Cavendish Carbon C 6 Basis of organic life, versatile
Learned Helplessness and Cognitive
Processing
Concept of Learned Helplessness
Martin Seligman introduced the concept of learned helplessness. Animals experiencing uncontrollable conditions may exhibit learned helplessness. Learned helplessness leads to a sense of inability to cope and parallels symptoms of depression. Seligman's observations with animals extended to understanding human responses to stress. People may become depressed when they perceive a lack of control over stressful situations.
Learned Optimism and Psychological Well-being
Seligman's concept of learned optimism focuses on maintaining a positive attitude in challenging circumstances.
Cognitive processes play a central role in shaping complex behaviors. Bandura's theories underscore the significance of social context in learning and behavior. New findings in social neuroscience shed light on the biological underpinnings of social behavior.
Bandura's Cognitive Processes and Behavior
Prediction
Probability Learning and Information Processing
Bandura emphasizes the importance of cognitive processes in accurately predicting behavior. Concepts like probability learning, information processing, and attention are crucial in psychopathology. References: Barlow (2002), Craighead et al. (1997), Davey (2006), Lovibond (2006), Mathews & MacLeod (1994).
Prepared Learning and Genetic Influence
Biology and genetic factors influence what we learn, especially in terms of fear and phobias. Prepared learning theory suggests that we are predisposed to fear certain objects for survival. Examples: Fear of snakes and spiders due to evolutionary advantages (Mineka & Sutton, 2006; Morris et al., 1998).
Evolutionary Perspective on Fear Learning
Ancestors who avoided snakes and spiders had higher survival rates, passing down this fear genetically. Research indicates a sex difference in fear learning, with females being more sensitive. Females show sensitivity to snake and spider phobias from as early as 11 months (Rakison, 2009).
Cognitive Science and the Unconscious
Advances in Cognitive Science
Cognitive science has transformed our understanding of the unconscious mind. Unconscious processes involve the processing and storage of information without awareness. References: Bargh & Chartrand (1999), Uleman et al. (2008).
Examples of Unconscious Processes
Blind sight phenomenon: Ability to visually function without conscious awareness (Weiskrantz, 1992). Implicit memory: Acting based on past events without conscious recollection (Bowers & Marsolek, 2003). Case study: Anna O. demonstrating implicit memory related to her paralysis (Breuer & Freud, 1895/1957).
Studying the Unconscious
Methods for studying the unconscious include the black box concept and advanced technologies.
likely that the person will be aware or conscious of the information." Element Symbol Atomic Number Discovery Notes Hydrogen H 1 First isolated by Henry Cavendish Carbon C 6 Basis of organic life, versatile
Unconscious Experience and Psychological Disorders
Unconscious experiences in individuals with psychological disorders may differ during brain imaging. Freud's theories on the unconscious partially supported by findings. Lack of evidence for a complex structure like Freud's id, ego, and superego. "It remains to be seen if the unconscious experience of people with psychological disorders will look similar during brain imaging."
Role of Emotions in Psychopathology
Impact of Emotions on Psychopathology
Emotions significantly influence the development of psychopathology. Fear as an example of a powerful emotion affecting behavior. Charles Darwin's observations on the evolutionary aspect of fear reactions. "Emotions play an enormous role in our day-to-day lives and can contribute in major ways to the development of psychopathology."
Physiology and Purpose of Fear
Physiological responses to fear include cardiovascular activation and redistribution of blood flow. Evolutionary purpose of the 'fight or flight' response. Adrenaline rush mobilizes the body for action in dangerous situations. "The whole purpose of the physical rush of adrenaline that we feel in extreme danger is to mobilize us to escape the danger (flight) or to fend it off (fight)."
Emotional Phenomena and Survival Instincts
Fear as a subjective feeling, motivation for behavior, and physiological response. Emotions as action tendencies guided by evolution for survival. Short-lived nature of emotions compared to enduring mood states. "The principal function of emotions can be understood as a clever means, guided by evolution, to get us to do what we have to do to pass on our genes successfully to coming generations."
Components and Definitions of Emotion
Definition and Purpose of Emotions
Emotions defined as action tendencies elicited by external events and feelings. Motivation provided by emotions to carry out specific behaviors.
such as running away." Emotions are contagious, aiding in survival by communicating threats.
Emotion and Behavior
Basic patterns of emotional behavior (freeze, escape, approach, attack) differ fundamentally. Emotional behavior serves as a means of communication.
Physiology of Emotion
Emotion involves brain functions in primitive areas, bypassing higher cognitive processes. Direct neurobiological connections exist between emotional brain centers and sensory organs.
Cognitive Aspects of Emotion
Appraisals and attributions play a crucial role in emotional experiences. Richard S. Lazarus proposed that environmental changes are appraised to determine emotions. Cognitive and emotional systems interact, but some suggest they are fundamentally separate. Researchers are studying the interaction of behavior, physiology, and cognition in emotion.
Emotions and Health
Anger and Your Heart
Anger and hostility increase the risk of heart disease more than smoking or high blood pressure. Anger affects heart efficiency, potentially leading to arrhythmias and heart issues. Studies show that anger affects both individuals with and without heart disease.
Emotions and Psychopathology
Suppressing emotions can increase sympathetic nervous system activity, contributing to psychopathology. Panic attacks may be related to fear occurring at inappropriate times. Mania and depression are part of bipolar disorder, alternating between excitement and extreme sadness. Emotions like fear, anger, sadness, and excitement can contribute to psychological disorders.
Emotions, Mood, and Cognitive Processes
Mood influences cognitive processes, with positive moods leading to positive associations and interpretations. Memories and perceptions are influenced by current mood states. Cognitive and emotion scientists explore the interconnection of cognitive and emotional processes.
