Good vibes: Emotion and Happiness

Miguel Losantas

UPCM class 2015

*EmotionImportancePerspectives on

emotionWhat it can affect

*HappinessDefinitionNeural correlatesMotivation

*Positive PsychologyDefinitionKnown benefitsInterventions

*Integral part of life

*Can be positive or negative

*Evolutionary PerspectiveBasic emotions

Universally recognizableCan’t be simplified

Ancient brain structuresLimbic system/rhinencephalon

AdaptationNutritious foodFight or Flight

*Social Construct PerspectiveObserved through behavior

GuiltAnger

Cultural basesLoveAnger

*Neural correlatesPhineas Gage

Normal at firstAccidentBehavioral change

*Neural correlatesBrain structures

Limbic systemPrefrontal cortex

*Neural correlatesHormones and neurotransmitters

OxytocinDopamineSerotonin

*Autonomic Nervous SystemHeart rate, respiratory ratePupilsLie detector

*Facial ExpressionHappiness, sadness, fear, surprise, anger, disgustSeen in different culturesCan be recognized cross-culturallyFacial feedback

*Decision makingGut FeelGood and Bad

*Hedonia

*Eudaimonia

*Neural CorrelatesSensationCoding vs Causation

*Neural CorrelatesHedonic Hotspots

Nucleus Accumbens, Ventral Pallidum, Brainstem

Orbitofrontal CortexNeurotransmitters

*Reward and pleasure

*Extrinsic and Intrinsic

*Strengths and virtues

*Meaning and fulfillment

*Central ConcernsPositive emotionsPositive traitsPositive institution

*Known BenefitsBetter physical healthBetter mental healthBetter quality of life

*Physical activity

*Sports

*Relaxation techniques

*Social Interaction

*Control your emotions

*Be the best that you can be!