Emotions

BS (CS) 3rd Semester

Week 8
Scope of This Week
Definitions
Importance of Emotions
Components of Emotions
Expression of Emotions
Emotions and Health
Handling Emotions/ Emotional Intelligence
Anger Management

Derivation & Definitions

Has been derived from Latin word “Emovere” that means “to stir”

“Stirred up state of an organism” Woodwoth

“A response of the whole organism involving physiological arousal, expressive

behaviors and conscious experience.” David G. Myers

Importance of Emotions
Energy in Motion
Instinctive; Hence important for survival
All essential; not necessarily negative or positive but the expressions make them so!
Important to know who we are
Identify our Important Needs
Help in Grieving and to Heal from our losses
Allows Intimacy & Close Relationships
The way one feels ‘inside’ is important to deal better with the ‘outside’
Repression causes Stress, Distant Relationships, Lack of Confidence & Physical &
Mental Illnesses
Self Disclosure builds bond between relations & breaks monotony
Distinguish Humans from Machines

Components of Emotions

The Physiological Component:

Involves active changes in the body physically
E.G. Accelerated hear beat, increased blood pressure, pupil dilation etc.

The Cognitive Component:

Is the interpretation of certain situations or stimulations
This determines which emotion our body will feel
Emphasizes the importance of thoughts, beliefs and expectations in determining the type
and intensity of emotional response
Expressions that follow appropriate cognitive appraisal improve mental and physical
health
E.G. Sitting alone in the dark, watching a scary movie, & hearing a loud noise might
elicit scary thoughts

The Behavioral Component:

Called the outward expression of our emotions
Body Gestures, Posture, Facial Expressions & Tone of Voice display feelings
Most expressions are universal & not related to language

The Subjective Experience:

Includes the elements of pleasure or displeasure, intensity of feeling, etc.
What one individual experiences as pleasurable may be boring for another one
Intuition…know it can’t explain it…but its there!!

Expression of Emotion
Feel the ‘Feeling’
What you ‘Resist’ will ‘Persist’
Verbal and Non-Verbal
With or Without Self-Awareness
Deliberate Efforts are made to Mask/Show Emotions
Critical for Interpersonal Communication
Gender, Morality & Socialization Specific
Expectation Regulated (Self & Others)
Suppressing others emotions is to control them
If not expressed are stored in Memory Unresolved
Other events elicit inappropriate response
Assertive Behavior is ideal to express difficult emotions

Feelings & Their Gifts

Feelings
Happy
Love
Anger
Sad
Fear
Hurt
Lonely
Guilt
Shame
Feelings most difficult to express

Emotion & Health

Emotions have a Direct Effect on Mental & Physical Health
Our body produces different Hormones that have varied effects on our health
The biggest factor that causes adult health related issues & Psychosomatic Disorders
Some Signs:
Back pain
Change in appetite
Chest pain
Constipation or diarrhea
Dry mouth
Extreme tiredness
General aches and pains
Headaches
High blood pressure

Handling Emotions… Intelligently

Components of Emotional Intelligence

Intrapersonal: Self-Awareness and Self-Expression
Self-Regard: To accurately perceive, understand and accept oneself
Emotional Self-Awareness: To be aware of, and understand one’s emotions
Assertiveness: To effectively and constructively express one’s emotions and oneself
Independence: To be self-reliant and free of emotional dependency on others
Self-Actualization: To strive to achieve personal goals and actualize one’s potential

Let’s Check Our Style…

I Express My Anger Indirectly By…..
I Internalize My Anger By…..
If I Express My Anger Directly I Fear…..
I Feel Angry When Others….
Anger For Me Is ….

About Anger
A Feeling; Real, Healthy & Normal
Our Socialization effects our expression
Starts With Irritation, Goes Up to Enraged
Anger Not Expressed….Goes Against Ourselves
Fighting One Way to Express…The Other??
Physical Adjustment necessary for relief
Anger Carries Energy
Anger and Hurt are intertwined
If unresolved may hurt within

Learning To Handle Anger

Recognize:
Admit, Accept & Acknowledge
Identify The Source
 Check Your Perception
Gauge Your Anger…
Bring It Down

Respect:
Pay Attention & Not Ignore
Not Internalize

Address:
Decide How & When
Have A Grip Over It... Rather than anger over you
Know The Reasons & Deal With Them
Express Assertively Whenever Possible
Role Model Healthy Ways Of Expression

Some Constructive Alternatives

Talk To The Person Directly Involved
Use ‘I’ Statements
Take Responsibility Of Your Own Feelings
Do Not Blame Others
Listen To The Others Point Of View
Get In Touch With Your Expectations & Intentions
Do Not Judge The Other Person’s Intensions
Be Congruent; Words, Voice & Facial Expressions
Express Your Anger Directly
Identify The Source Of Your Anger…What is the real reason that You are Angry??
Make Direct Requests For Change
To End Up In A ‘Win-Win’ Situation