Discussion 1: Theories of Emotion

What raw materials combine to create human emotions? How does the brain construct emotion? Certain theories suggest that emotions hinge on the axes of the following pairs of dimensions: pleasure-misery and arousal-sleep. Does this formula capture the variability of human emotion?

Consider the interplay between cognition and emotion. Some theories posit that emotions consist of automatic responses to stimuli. Other theories suggest that cognitive processes influence the ways in which people perceive emotions.

For this Discussion, select a theory of emotions. Consider why the theory you selected is optimal for the classification of emotions.

With these thoughts in mind:

Post by Day 3 a brief description of the theory you selected from the articles in the Learning Resources. Then explain why this theory is optimal for the classification of emotions. Finally, describe the SPAARS model and explain how it relates to the theory you selected. Support your response using the Learning Resources and current literature.

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.

Read a selection of your colleagues’ postings.

Respond by Day 5 to a colleague who selected a different theory in one or more of the following ways:

• Ask a probing question.
• Share an insight from having read your colleague’s posting.
• Offer and support an opinion.
• Expand on your colleague’s posting.

Return to this Discussion in a few days to read the responses to your initial posting. Note what you have learned and/or any insights you have gained as a result of the comments your colleagues made.

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Discussion 2: Influence of Emotion

Consider the following scenario:

As he makes his online travel reservations, Robert is overcome with a sense of anxiety. His fear of flying fills him with dread at the thought of taking an airplane. Robert’s appraisal of flying (his interpretation of the situation) instills an irrational fear. Robert mentions his concern to a close friend who works for the airline industry. His friend shares the following information—travel by air is one of the safest modes of transportation. The drive to the airport is statistically far more dangerous than a flight. Robert’s fear decreases in light of the new information. This is an example of a cognitive process helping an individual to regulate an emotional response.

For this Discussion, consider how cognitive processes can influence regulation of emotional responses. Also consider the influence of appraisal on emotional responses. Then think about how conscious and unconscious cognitive processes influence emotion.

With these thoughts in mind:

Post by Day 4 a brief explanation of how cognitive processes can influence regulation of emotional responses. Then explain the influence of appraisal on emotional responses. Finally, provide one example of a conscious cognitive process and one example of an unconscious cognitive process and explain how each influence emotion. Justify your response using the Learning Resources and current literature.

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.

Read a selection of your colleagues’ postings.

Respond by Day 6 to at least one of your colleagues’ postings in one or more of the following ways:

• Ask a probing question.
• Share an insight from having read your colleague’s posting.
• Offer and support an opinion.
• Validate an idea with your own experience.
• Make a suggestion.
• Expand on your colleague’s posting.

Return to this Discussion in a few days to read the responses to your initial posting. Note what you have learned and/or any insights you have gained as a result of the comments your colleagues made.