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The Physiological Responses Behind Emotions: Can You Imagine How the Brain Affects Our Reactions?
Emotions are not just abstract ideas we express; they are also closely linked to our physiological responses. According to psychological research, emotional expression (that is, the display of "emotion") includes non-verbal media such as facial expressions, body movements, voice volume and intonation, which can directly affect our behavior and reactions. Even so, expressions of emotion are sometimes unrealistic, and we may pretend to smile due to social pressure, or appear happy even though we are sad. This emotional masking actually reflects the complex relationship between emotion and cognition.
Displays of emotion can be conscious or unconscious; they can be simple or complex.
Theoretical Perspectives
The display of emotion can be thought of as an instinctive response to a stimulus. Psychologist Robert B. Zajonc proposes that this response is the most primitive of humans and is dominant even in lower organisms. In Zajonc's view, affective responses can occur without complex cognitive processes and can occur more quickly and with greater confidence than cognitive judgments. In contrast, psychologist Lazarus believes that emotions are the product of cognition and can only be triggered after a certain degree of cognitive processing has been carried out in advance. The difference between the two also enriches our understanding of emotions.
Unconscious emotion and perception
There is a non-conscious emotion that may be unrelated to the cognitive processing of environmental stimuli. Emotional expressions are often complex chains of events, often triggered by specific stimuli. Because people may have difficulty reporting their emotions accurately, their words often fail to fully describe their emotional states.
Physiological arousal
Physiological arousal is a basic response to stimulation. In this process, the amygdala in the human brain is responsible for regulating instinctive reactions that either make the individual immobile or make them active. For example, in the process of searching for food, the process of anticipating a reward is different from the process of actually receiving the reward. These physiological reactions not only affect our behavior, but are also closely related to our emotional experience.
The relationship between emotion and emotion
Emotions generally refer to specific emotional states, whereas emotions are more general, persistent states. According to research, the display of emotions is closely linked to social interactions. Positive emotions tend to promote social interaction, while negative emotions may lead to less communication with others. Through social support, our emotional state improves, and this role is particularly important in long-term mental health.
Gender and emotional expression
Research shows that gender has a significant impact on emotional expression. Self-perception of gender, and the social pressures it brings, may affect how a person expresses their emotions. Such effects not only come from biological gender differences, but are also closely related to psychological and cultural backgrounds.
The role of emotion in child development
Research shows that in the first year of life, infants and young children begin to recognize and imitate the emotional displays of others. Infants' physiological responses (such as pupil dilation) when faced with positive and negative emotional stimuli also demonstrate their emotional understanding. The findings of this study allow us to see the importance of the development of emotional interaction for the cultivation of children's social skills and empathy.
Illnesses and Affective Disorders
Some mental health disorders, such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, can significantly affect a person's emotional expression. Some people may experience what is called "flat emotion," an inability to fully express their inner emotions, even though the perception of their emotions is still there. This symptom affects their quality of life and interpersonal interactions.
Strategic display of emotion
Human emotional expression may also be a strategic behavior, sometimes deliberately showing a certain emotion to influence the reaction of others. For example, service industry workers often need to smile in difficult work situations to maintain customer satisfaction. However, this strategy may not always be successful and can lead to tension in the relationship if seen through by others.
Emotions are an integral part of human interaction, and their expression not only reflects our inner world but also affects those around us. These complex and profound reactions undoubtedly play a key role in our lives. Do you think understanding the physiological responses behind these emotions can help us better understand ourselves and others?
