Anger
Effect and Physiology of Anger
When angry, the brain’s neural activating systems, such as the noradrenergic system, release hormones, especially catecholamine and adrenaline (Yadv et al., 2019). The hormones have systemic effects on the body, such as flushing of the face due to increased blood flow, rise in blood pressure and rate of respiration, and acceleration of the heart, commonly called adrenaline rush. The result is that an individual is ready to take an immediate protective action of angry desire, making one ready to fight. An applicable theory that can explain anger is the James-Lange theory, suggesting that emotions happen due to physiological reactions to given events (Kułak-Bejda et al., 2021). For example, if an individual is cut off in traffic, one may feel unfairly treated, eliciting the desire to fight. Regarding social learning, individuals may learn to limit or show rage when they witness others express anger.
Fear
Effect and Physiology of Fear
Fear triggers the sympathetic arousal that enhances and promotes muscle activations and subsequent escape from danger (Pace-Schott et al., 2019). The outcome is that an individual’s brain releases adrenaline and cortisol hormones, resulting in faster blood flow, strong heartbeats, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, sweating, and even trembling. Fear arises when an individual is in danger or response to a threat. Common fear triggers may include potentially harmful situations or threats. An applicable theory that can explain fear is the James-Lange theory, suggesting that emotions happen due to physiological reactions to given events or happenings (Kułak-Bejda et al., 2021). Another applicable theory that can apply to anger is Schachter–Singer’s Two-Factor Theory, which proposes that experience and expression of emotions are linked, meaning a potential threat can cause an individual physiological response that is cognitively labeled as fear (Navarrete-Hernandez & Afarin, 2023). Regarding social learning and thinking, individuals may learn behavior, including fear responses, by observing others. For instance, if children observe their parents taking flight after sighting a snake, they are likely to take flight if they encounter one.
Disgust
Effect and Physiology of Disgust
The insula and globus pallidus are the brain parts responsible for processing disgust (Pace-Schott et al., 2019). As an emotional function, disgust acts as a gatekeeper to the body to shield it from contamination with hazardous pathogens (Pace-Schott et al., 2019). Often, the experience demonstrates various rapid and robust experiences that end quickly. An individual experiencing disgust may experience several bodily sensations, including nausea, vomiting, and expulsion (Pace-Schott et al., 2019). Moreover, a sudden experience of unpleasant physiological feeling is more likely to elicit in a person the awareness of the feelings of disgust, informing them to disassociate or distance themselves from the likely source of disgust. The cognitive appraisal theory asserts that people respond to stressful events differently in behavior and emotional ways depending on their beliefs, which can explain disgust (Miocevic, 2023). This means that what others may find disgusting may not be to others. For example, one is likely to experience a feeling of disgust if they took a bite from a rotten orange. Similarly, one is likely to experience a feeling of disgust if one comes across a universal disgust stimulus such as feces or vomit.
Sadness
Effect and Physiology of Sadness
The prefrontal-limbic part of the brain regulates sadness (Pace-Schott et al., 2019). When individuals experience sadness, they may experience several body functions that may hinder the normal functioning of the body and brain. They may, for instance, experience and exhibit decreased energy levels, changes in appetite, high anger levels, and changes in appetite. Sadness may also alter an individual’s sleep patterns and cause individuals to turn inwards, avoid, and be passive. A possible theory that can explain sadness is the cognitive appraisal theory, which establishes that individuals react to stressful events or situations differently in behavior and emotional ways depending on their beliefs (Miocevic, 2023). Thus, people appraise a situation of loss, harm, or failure, and their beliefs will determine how they react. For instance, if one experiences the death of a loved one, they are more likely to turn inwards by being quiet in most cases, avoiding groups of people, and self-isolating. Similarly, if one is going through a divorce, they are likely to self-isolate while avoiding associating themselves with groups.
Joy
Effects and Physiology of Joy
Like sadness, joy is associated with the anterior brain regions (Pace-Schott et al., 2019). Joy is related to the brain’s release of neurotransmitters, especially endorphins, serotonin,oxytocin, and dopamine, that produce a feeling of pleasure in individuals. Individuals experiencing joy may exhibit different actions and behaviors, including smiling and laughing, an increased desire to associate and interact with others, and increased energy levels. Individuals may also experience elevated heart rates and faster blood flow. James-Lange theory suggests that emotions happen due to physiological reactions to given events or happenings, which can explain why people experience joy. When something rewarding happens, such as achieving a given goal, spending time with loved ones, receiving good news, or achieving a significant milestone, the body responds with given physiological changes, which are often referred to or interpreted as a feeling of happiness or joy. For example, a student who has just received the news that they have passed the final year college exams may experience elevated heart rate, smile, and often laugh. Similarly, a corporate executive who has achieved year-end results may also experience high levels of joy and is more likely to maintain smiling and laughing and be associated with interacting with the employees.
References
Kułak-Bejda, A., Bejda, G., & Waszkiewicz, N. (2021). Mental disorders, cognitive impairment and the risk of suicide in older adults. Frontiers in psychiatry, 12, 695286.https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.695286
Miocevic, D. (2023). Investigating strategic responses of SMEs during COVID-19 pandemic: A cognitive appraisal perspective. BRQ Business Research Quarterly, 26(4), 313–326.https://doi.org/10.1177/23409444211005779
Navarrete-Hernandez, P., & Afarin, K. (2023). The impact of nature-based solutions on perceptions of safety in public space. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 91, 102132. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2023.102132
Pace-Schott, E.F, Amole, M.C, Aue, T, Balconi, M., Bylsma, L.M., Critchley, H., Demaree, A.H., Friedman, B.H., Gooding, A.E.K., Gosseries, O., Jovanovic, T., Kirby, L.A.J., Kozlowska, K., Laureys, S., Lowe, L., Magee, K., Marin, M., Merner, A.R., Robinson, J.L…. VanElzakker, M.B.(2019). Physiological feelings, Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews,(103), 267-304, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.05.002.
Yadav, P. K., Yadav,, R. L., & Sapkota, N. K. (2019). Anger; its impact on the human body. Innovare Journal of Health Sciences, 4(5). https://www.researchgate.net/publication/328065633
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