Lecture on Emotions for Songwriters

Understanding Emotions

• Definition in Psychology: Emotions are subjective experiences with physiological, behavioral, and cognitive changes.
• Complexity: Expression and experience of emotions vary by individual.

Components of Emotional Experience

1. Physiological Components

   • Emotions trigger physiological responses such as brain activation, neurotransmitter production, and nervous system activity.
   • Example: Being surprised can increase heart rate, tense muscles, and raise skin temperature.

2. Cognitive Reactions

   • Involve mental assessments like appraisals, expectations, and thoughts.
   • Example: A surprise party might be perceived as fun or dreadful based on personal and cultural experiences.

3. Behavioral Responses

   • Evident in body language and facial expressions.
   • Example: Smiling, clapping, or hugging at a surprise party.

Characteristics of Emotions

• Temporary: Emotions have clear beginnings and short durations.
• Positive or Negative: Range from happy, sad, angry to delighted.
• Varying Intensity: From slight sadness to deep depression, ecstasy to mild pleasure.
• Involuntary: Emotions occur without conscious decision.

Universal Emotions

• Research by Paul Ekman: Identified six universal emotions - happiness, sadness, fear, disgust, anger, and surprise.
• Universality: Consistent facial expressions across cultures.

Descriptions of Universal Emotions

• Happiness: Raised cheeks, elevated mouth corners, possible teeth exposure, eye wrinkles.
• Sadness: Uplifted eyebrow corners, downturned lips.
• Fear: Raised and drawn-together eyebrows, open eyes, open mouth.
• Anger: Penetrating stare, tensed eyelids, pressed lips.
• Disgust: Raised cheeks, wrinkled nose, lowered brows.
• Surprise: Raised eyebrows, open wide eyes, dropped jaw.

Evolutionary Perspective

• Darwin's Hypothesis: Emotions have an adaptive value and are innate, aiding survival.
• Supporting Evidence:
  • Newborns and blind individuals exhibit similar facial expressions despite lack of experience or visual reference.

Key Takeaways

• Three Components: Cognitive, physiological, and behavioral aspects of emotions.
• Existence of Universal Emotions: Recognizable worldwide due to innate expression.