By sumanOn

James-Lange theory of emotion:

The James-Lange theory of emotion is one of the oldest physiological theories of emotion. It was proposed by James in 1884 and supported by Lange. According to the hypothesis, environmental stimuli cause physiological reactions in the internal organs, or internal organs like the heart and lungs, which are then linked to muscular activity. As an example, being shocked by an acute noise causes visceral and muscular activity, which is followed by emotional arousal. In other words, the James-Lange theory contends that your impression of physical changes in yourself, such as quick breathing, a racing heart, and sprinting legs after an incident, causes emotional arousal.

This theory’s fundamental conclusion is that specific stimuli or events cause specific physiological changes, and an individual’s perception of these changes causes them to feel an emotion. However, this theory received harsh criticism and was rejected.

Cannon (1927) and Bard (1928) Theory of emotions:

According to the Cannon-Bard theory, the thalamus mediates the entire emotional process by conveying information to the cerebral cortex, skeletal muscles, and sympathetic nervous system simultaneously after perception of the emotion-provoking stimulus.

The cerebral cortex then uses previous experiences to determine the nature of the perceived stimulus. This determines the emotion’s subjective experience. Simultaneously, the sympathetic nervous system and the muscles provide physiological arousal and prepare the individual to act. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is divided into two systems: sympathetic and parasympathetic.

These two systems interact in a mutually beneficial manner. The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body to deal with a stressful situation. It improves the individual’s internal environment by controlling the drop-in heart rate, blood pressure, blood sugar, and so on. It causes physiological arousal, preparing the individual for a fight or flight response in order to deal with the stressful situation.

When the threat is removed, the parasympathetic nervous system activates and restores balance by calming the body. It restores and conserves energy and returns the individual to normalcy. Though antagonistic, the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems are complementary in completing the process of experience and emotion expression.

Schachter-Singer Theory (1962):

Schachter-Singer’s theory is called ‘the cognitive theory of emotion: Schachter proposed that emotional states are a function of the interaction of cognitive factors and a state of physiological arousal.

The Schachter-Singer theory takes a more cognitive approach to the issue. He believes that it is an event that causes physiological arousal. However, the areas responsible for arousal should be identified before labelling the emotion.

The conscious experience of emotion involves the combination of information from three sources:

  1. Feedback to the brain from internal organs and other body parts activated by the sympathetic nervous system.
  2. Subject interpretation of aroused state.
  3. Information stored in memory and the perception of what is taking place in the environment, i.e., the memory of past experience and appraisal of the current situation.

Example: Ritesh is taking the last bus of the night and he is the only passenger. Another passenger gets in and takes a seat in the row behind him. When Ritesh gets down at his stop, the other passenger also gets down and starts walking behind him. Ritesh feels tingles down his spine with a rush of adrenaline. He knows that there have been several robberies in the city over the past few weeks and so gets afraid.

Lazarus Theory:

Lazarus’ theory develops on the Schachter-Singer theory enhancing it to another level.

It proposes that when an event occurs, a cognitive appraisal is made (either consciously or subconsciously) and based on the result of which the emotion and physiological response follow.

Example: Ritesh is buying a few items at the superstore when two young men in hooded sweatshirts entered the store in a hurry with their hands in their jacket pockets. He thinks that they are here to rob the place. He gets scared and feels like he might throw up.

While each of these theories is based on research there is no exact proof as yet of how emotions begin in our bodies and minds or what individuals are experiencing them. What we do know is that feelings are a powerful force to be felt and should never be belittled.

Changes In Emotional reactions:

The autonomic nervous system is the most vulnerable to emotional reactions. The following physical, psychological, and internal changes take place as a result of emotional states (Figures and).

External Changes:

  1. Face expressions show a variety of emotional reactions. Anger and anxiety are seen on the face, which is heated. The face turns down during negative emotions and enhances positive ones.
  2. Body language: A shocking pattern in which the eyes close, the mouth opens, and the head and neck are pushed forward may be caused by an unexpectedly horrific situation. One may clench their fists and assault them when they are angry.
  3. Voice disturbances: A voice shake or break may indicate intense sorrow. Typically, an angry tone of voice is loud, acute, and high-pitched. In dejection and sadness, speech is low and repetitive, but in tension and exhilaration, speech is quick.
  4. Blood pressure rises with emotional excitement and the pulse or heart rate increases during rage and anxiety. When one is excited, they breathe quickly in short bursts, while when depressed, they breathe slowly.

Internal Changes:

Blood pressure rises with emotional excitement and the pulse or heart rate increases during rage and anxiety. When one is excited, they breathe quickly in short bursts, while when depressed, they breathe slowly.

Psychological Changes:

Perception, learning, consciousness, and memory are all impacted by emotional events.

Figure: Various reactions of Emotions

Emotions in sickness and handling emotions in self and others:

According to Dr Schindler, we can eliminate half of the nagging illnesses that plague our daily lives by controlling our own emotions. When we are happy, our bodies function properly. ‘Joy is the best medicine!’ says an old proverb.

• Strong and unpleasant emotions disrupt the entire person. 

• Negative emotions can weaken the body’s immune system and cause infections if they are allowed to persist for an extended period of time.

When a person is stressed or anxious, he may not take as good care of his health as he should. He may not want to exercise, eat nutritious food, or take his medication. He may be addicted to alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs.

Uncontrolled emotionality, according to modern medicine, plays a vital role in the development of many physical disorders, including:-

  • Peptic ulcer
  • Heart problems
  • Seizures
  • Diabetes and tuberculosis (TB) are exacerbated.
  • Bronchial asthma o High blood pressure
  • Insomnia, chronic constipation
  • Functional colitis
  • Skin disorders such as pruritus, psoriasis, and others
  • Susceptible to infections

A healthcare provider must reduce the intensity of emotional disturbances to the greatest

Emotional Implications in Nursing:-

For a nurse, understanding emotions are essential. Patients are typically less self-controlled as a result of their illness. They may be tense, irritable, and off-kilter. As a result, the nurse must be mature and balanced in her interactions with the patient.

  • The nurse must substitute positive emotions for the patient’s negative emotions. Fear, depression, and hatred must be replaced with hope, courage, and love.
  • At all costs, the nurse should avoid tension. She should cultivate a sound life philosophy and learn self-control.

For the details stated above, a health care provider must understand emotions, their nature, dynamics, and control.

Reference:

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