Psychology of Emotion

Year
3
Academic year
2020-2021
Code
01009029
Subject Area
Psychology
Language of Instruction
Portuguese
Mode of Delivery
Face-to-face
ECTS Credits
6.0
Type
Elective
Level
1st Cycle Studies

Recommended Prerequisites

Biology and Genetic curricular unit accomplished. English language understanding.

Teaching Methods

The classes interchange oral exposition and participated discussion of the syllabus themes, supported by visual projection material. In each class, there is an oral presentation of a recent research article (critical review) by a group of students, followed by discussion on interpersonal implications.

Learning Outcomes

- To know the main conceptual approaches of emotions - origin, function and dimensions;

- To differentiate the main concepts used in the research of emotional processes;

- To understand the main issues on universality versus cultural variation (activation and emotional expression) and the relationship between cognition and emotion;

- To conceptualize emotions as motivational variables and to analyze their role in the activation of behavior and in interpersonal relationships;

- To understand the premature development process of emotions;

- To know the state of the art and the main research questions about the discussed themes.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Introduction

– Short characterization of the different conceptual approaches to emotion; Affectivity, Episodes of emotion, Moods and Temperament; Approaches to emotional processes

2. Appraisal and emotion

-Primary and secondary appraisals; Discrete and dimensional approaches; Methodologies to study emotional experiences; Cultural variation versus the universality of emotional elicitors; Emotional knowledge; Emotional experience

3. Emotion versus cognition

- Effects of emotions on cognitive processes - Explanatory models; Emotions effects (perception, attention and memory); Implications of emotional-cognitive bias

4. Expression of emotions

- Nonverbal behavior

5. Emotional development

- Early expression of emotions; Early perception of emotions in others; Role of attachment; Dimensions of emotional experiences’ appraisal

Assessment Methods

Final
Exam: 100.0%

Periodical
Group practical assignment - Critical review of a research article: 25.0%
Two midterm exams: 75.0%

Bibliography

Blandon, A. Y., Calkins, S. D., & Keane, S. P. (2010). Predicting emotional and social competence during early childhood from toddler risk and maternal behavior. Development and Psychopathology, 22, 119–132. doi:10.1017/S0954579409990307.

Gao, J., Wang, A., & Qian, M. (2010). Differentiating shame and guilt from a relational perspective: a cross cultural study. Social Behavior and Personality, 38 (10), 1401-1408. doi: 10.2224/sbp.2010.38.10.1401.

Lewis, M. & Haviland-Jones, J. M. (2000). Handbook of Emotions. New York: The Guilford Press,

Oatley, K., Keltener, D. & Jenkins, J. M. (2006). Understanding Emotions. 2nd Malden (USA): Blackwell Publishing.

Shenk, C. E., & Fruzzetti, A. E. (2011).The impact of validating and invalidating responses on emotional reactivity. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 2 (30),163-183.