The document discusses the nature and characteristics of emotions, defining them as subjective responses accompanied by physiological changes and behavioral shifts. It categorizes emotions into positive and negative, primary and secondary, and explains the physiological and psychological changes that occur during emotional experiences. Additionally, it reviews various theories of emotion, including the James-Lange, Cannon-Bard, and Schachter-Singer theories, each illustrating different perspectives on the connection between physiological responses and emotional experiences.

1. Emotion
Mr.Visanth V S
Sherwood College of Nursing
Barabanki, UP

2. Emotion
Emotion is derived from a Latin word
“emovere” which means “stirred up” or “to
excite”.
So emotion is the excited state or stirred up
state of an individual and it is purely a
private experience.
An emotion is a full body/mind/behavior
response to a situation.

3. Definition
Emotion is defined as a subjective response that
is usually accompanied by physiological changes
and is associated with change in behavior.
Stirred up state of an organism. -Woodworth

4. Nature and Characteristics of Emotions
Emotions are universal
Emotions are personal/unique.
Emotions rise abruptly but subside slowly.
Emotions are the product of our perceptions.
Same emotions can be aroused by a number
of different stimuli, objects and situations.

5. Nature and Characteristics of Emotions
Whenever an organism is experiencing an
emotion a lot of energy is released.
Emotions bring about physical,
physiological and psychological changes in
the organism
Each emotion has certain definite muscular
and overt behavior

6. Types/Kinds of Emotions
Positive emotions: Are the pleasant emotions
which are beneficial/ helpful for the
individual.
Eg: happiness, joy, curiosity etc.
Negative emotions: Are unpleasant emotional
experiences, it doesn’t produce any beneficial
effects.
Eg: fear, angry, jealousy etc.

7. Contd….
Primary emotions: These are direct emotional
reactions to a situation, and they are called
primary because they come first.
Eg: Joy, happiness, fear, shame, sadness etc.
Secondary emotion: This is an emotional
response to a primary emotion, thus an emotion
about what we feel.
Eg: Worry, anxiety, anger, jealousy etc.

8. Components of Emotion
Responses to Emotion
Subjective experiences/ Thought action tendencies/
Internal bodily changes/Facial Expression
Cognitive Appraisal
Stimuli from Environment

9. Neuropsychology of Emotion
Dual processing of
emotions:
Activation of the
amygdala produces
visceral responses
Cortical activation
allows for use of
memory in
understanding
emotional stimuli

10. Changes during Emotions

11. Physical Changes in Emotions
Facial expression: Each emotion has its definite
facial expressions. Various muscles of the face such
as the muscles of the eyes, nose, lips and forehead
undergo changes by twisting and twitching.
Muscular adjustments: Under certain emotional
expressions the muscles of the body make automatic
adjustments.

12. Contd…….
Voice changes: Voice also tells about the emotion of an
individual.
Releasing of energy: During emotions a lot of energy is
released to meet the emergency situation. Our liver
releases glycogen which gets converted into glucose and
it gets burnt releasing energy.
Respiration and circulation: In order to supply more
oxygen, lungs function faster and so breathing becomes
shallow and faster. Further there is an increased blood
pressure and heartbeats.

13. Contd….
Secretory Changes: There is a significant change in
various glands. The flow of these secretions in the form
of saliva, tears, sweats etc.
Changes in thermoregulation: There is a change in
temperature of the body. At the time of intense
excitement, it generally goes down.
Digestive changes: During emotions digestive system
gets affected. During emotional state our stomach and
intestines work quietly slow sometimes it increases the
function.

14. Contd…
 Other changes:
 Erection of hairs
 Stimulation of sweat glands
 Dryness of mouth
 Pupils become dilate
 Redness of the face
 Changes in body movements
 Blood clots more quickly in
case of wounds
Brain functioning
Emotion changes
our sensory and
perceptual
processes.

15. Psychological Changes in Emotions
During intense emotions our attention and
perceptual process get altered.
Our thinking and reasoning will be affected
adversely.
Learning will be slowed down during emotions.
Memory will be inhibited.
Disorientation of time, place and person may
experience during an intense emotion.

16. Contd…..
Person may be unable to concentrate in his tasks.
Decreased ability to analyze and solve problems.
Decrease in self-confidence and self-esteem.
Person may become dull, withdrawn and
pessimistic.
In certain emotions one may become aggressive,
become homicidal or suicidal ideas

17. Theories of Emotion
Does your heart pound because you are
afraid... or are you afraid because you
feel your heart pounding?

18. James-Lange Theory of Emotion
This theory is proposed by William James and
Carl Lange.
 This is one of the best examples of
physiological theory of emotions.
James-Lange theory suggests that emotions
occur as a result of physiological reactions to
events.
For example: I see a snake “I am trembling,
therefore I am feared.”

19. James-Lange Theory of Emotion
Perception of an
Environmental Situation
Which Produces the Emotion
Physiological responses of
Body
Experienced Emotion

20. Cannon-Bard Theory of Emotion
This theory is proposed by Walter Cannon and
Philip Bard.
According to this theory, the emotional
experience and physiological experiences/ body
arousal both are independent of each other.
Both will be happening at the same time.

21. Cannon-Bard Theory of Emotion
Perceived Stimulus
Experienced Emotion Body Responses

22. Schachter- Singer / Two Factor Theory
Proposed by Stanley Schachter and Jerome Singer.
The emotional experience is a result of our cognitive
label or cognitive appraisal.
As a result of the cognitive appraisal of the situation and
body arousal we experience the emotion.
For example, if you experience a racing heart and
sweating palms during an exam, you will probably
identify the emotion as anxiety. If you experience the
same while seeing a snake, you might interpret as
fear.

23. Schachter- Singer Theory
Body Arousal Cognitive Label
Experienced Emotion

24. Theories of Emotion