Module 14: Emotions

Description: This module explores the neuroscience of emotion, including its biological foundations, expressive behaviors, & cultural influences. Students will examine how emotions arise, how they are expressed & recognized, & how brain structures like the amygdala & cingulate gyrus contribute to emotional experience. Topics include emotional universals, facial feedback, theories of emotion, & hemispheric lateralization.

Why This Module is Important: Emotions shape behavior, decision-making, relationships, & mental health. Understanding their neural basis is essential for psychology professionals working in clinical, counseling, educational, & research settings.

For counselors, this module provides:

• Insight into emotional regulation & expression.
• Understanding of how brain damage affects emotional processing.
• Tools for discussing emotional development & cultural influences with clients.

For other psychology professionals, this module supports:

• Research into emotional cognition & neurobiology.
• Educational strategies for emotional intelligence & empathy.
• Clinical assessment of emotional disorders & trauma.
• Integration of emotion theories into psychological practice.

Module Learning Objectives: By the end of this module students will be able to…

• MLO1: Describe the biological components of emotion, including brain structures, autonomic responses, & facial expression pathways. (CLO1, ULO4)
• MLO2: Analyze major theories of emotion & evaluate evidence for universal versus culturally learned emotional expression. (CLO2, CLO3, ULO4)
• MLO3: Evaluate the effects of brain damage, lateralization, & cultural context on emotional experience & recognition. (CLO3, CLO4, ULO4)

Test Yourself: If you truly “know” this material then you will be able to…

• Explain how the amygdala, cingulate gyrus, & facial muscles contribute to emotional expression & recognition. (MLO1)
• Compare the James-Lange, Cannon-Bard, & Schachter’s Two-Factor theories of emotion, & assess their relevance to current neuroscience. (MLO2)
• Evaluate how cultural norms & brain lateralization influence emotional perception & expression, including differences in facial symmetry & empathy. (MLO3)