Objectives
After completing this chapter, you will be able to- define the concept of emotions;
- identify the two basic psychological dimensions of emotions;
- describe the three aspects of all emotions;
- explain the three basic theories of emotions;
- specify how chronic stress affects general health;
- state the conditions of the four basic kinds of psychological conflict.
What would life be like without emotions?
In some ways life would be better. We would not experience the distress asso-
ciated with anger, fear, and depression. We would never be in a bad mood. There
would be no unhappiness.
On the other hand, without emotions there would be no joy, laughter, or
excitement. We would never know the pleasure of a good mood. There would be
no happiness.
Emotions give life much of its dimension and depth. Although emotions can
sometimes diminish the quality of existence, they also often enrich life. The ups
and downs associated with our emotional states give life something of the quality
of a roller-coaster ride. Some people live a wild emotional life characterized by
extreme highs and lows. Others lead a more rational emotional life—the highs
and lows are not too extreme. But we all ride life’s emotional roller coaster in one
way or another. Consequently, emotions merit study and have an important place
in psychology.Emotions: What Are They?
The word emotionis a contraction of two words:exitand motion.The ancient Greeks
believed that the smiles and the frowns associated with such states as happiness or
sadness indicated that the soul was coming out of the body and revealing itself. It was
making an “exit motion.” This became “e-motion” or simply “emotion.”
An emotionis, at the physiological level, a disruption in homeostatic base-
lines. There are changes in heart rate, respiration rate, and blood pressure. These
are fluctuations in arousal. At the psychological level, these physiological changes
are experienced as either greater excitement or increased calmness. Human beings
also experience these changes as either pleasant or unpleasant.(a) The word emotionis a contraction of what two words? and108 PSYCHOLOGY