Cognitive Approach: Influence of Emotions
Emotion
A complex state of feeling that results from a physical and psychological response to an external stimuli
Theory of the Emotional Brain
Proposed by LeDoux; states that our primary emotions are determined in large part by the limbic system, including the amygdala, hypothalamus, and thalamus
Low Road
Fast route; takes a direct route to the amygdala
The amygdala reacts immediately to sensory input and activates response system
Useful in the case of immediate danger where a quick reaction can make the difference between life and death; fight or flight response
High Road
The slow route; takes an "indirect route" to the amygdala
this route involves evaluation of the stimulus and consideration of the appropriate response
Thought processes take over the instinctive emotional response.
Study Used
LeDoux (1998): the emotional brain