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Neurophysiology of Emotions

consider the following prompt and craft a response that sufficiently captures all aspects of it from your unique point of view and original research. Please cite and reference any source(s) you use to help write this response in APA format. Notice that in addition to your Main Entry post, you will need to offer two substantive classmate response posts to complete this exercise. See below instructions that will guide your peer engagement thinking/posting. See syllabus or course calendar for due dates for both main entry posts and peer engagement.

Main Entry Parts 1 and 2

Part 1: Neurophysiology of Emotions

Think about times in your life when you have experienced incredible happiness (e.g., you received an award, your favorite team won the national championship, etc.) and were very fearful (e.g., speaking to a large group of strangers, performing on stage for the first time, etc.).

Describe how your arousal appeared physically.
Connect these changes in arousal to what youve learned about the neurobiology of emotions what hormones, neurotransmitters, etc. are likely involved in these effects?
Describe some of the stimuli that helped you to determine what emotion you were experiencing.
Part 2: Neurophysiology of Social Connection and Motivation

This unit, you watched a TED talk by Johann Hari called Everything You Know About Addiction is Wrong. This is a powerful look into how our species evolutionary drive to work and connect with each other and how disruptions to this cycle simultaneously cause and fuel cycles of addiction. After watching, answer the following questions:

Explain, using terms and concepts you learned this unit about the neurobiology of motivation, social behavior, and emotions, why the rats in rat park did not use the drug water.
You are a neurobiologist and youve been asked to explain to a panel of American lawmakers why Portugal is having success with its approach to addiction recovery. Explain this from your informed point of view, given what you know about reward pathways and the neurobiology of motivation and relationships. Be specific.
Discuss your reaction to and perspective on Haris point that to treat addiction we must not just focus on the individual, but focus on society at large, too. Does this make sense to you from a neurobiology standpoint? Explain why or why not. What suggestions would you make if asked how to go about instituting such a change?
Peer Engagement:

Sample Answer

Experiences of Happiness and Fear

Happiness: When I received an award for academic excellence, I experienced a surge of euphoria. My heart raced, I felt a warmth in my chest, and I couldn’t stop smiling. My mind raced with thoughts of accomplishment and satisfaction.

Fear: Before giving a presentation to a large group of strangers, I felt a knot in my stomach and my palms became sweaty. My heart pounded in my chest, and I experienced a sense of dread.

Full Answer Section

Neurobiological Correlates

Happiness: The release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin is likely involved in feelings of happiness and reward. These neurotransmitters activate the reward system in the brain, leading to feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. Additionally, the release of oxytocin, a hormone associated with social bonding and trust, may contribute to feelings of happiness and well-being.

Fear: The amygdala, a key brain region involved in emotional processing, plays a crucial role in fear responses. When a perceived threat is detected, the amygdala activates the fight-or-flight response, leading to physiological changes such as increased heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration. The release of stress hormones like cortisol also contributes to the fear response.

Stimuli and Emotion Determination

The stimuli that help us determine our emotions are complex and multifaceted. Cognitive factors, such as our beliefs and expectations, play a significant role in shaping our emotional experiences. Additionally, environmental factors, such as the presence of threats or rewards, can influence our emotional responses.

Part 2: Neurophysiology of Social Connection and Motivation

Rat Park Experiment

The rats in Rat Park did not use the drug water because they had access to a rich and stimulating environment with social interaction. This environment provided them with a sense of purpose and belonging, which helped to counteract the reinforcing effects of the drug. The neurobiology of motivation and social behavior suggests that humans are inherently social creatures with a strong need for connection and belonging. When these needs are met, individuals are less likely to engage in addictive behaviors.

Portugal’s Approach to Addiction Recovery

Portugal’s approach to addiction recovery, which involves decriminalizing drug use and providing treatment and support services, has been successful in reducing harm and improving outcomes for individuals struggling with addiction. From a neurobiological perspective, this approach can be explained by the role of social connection and motivation in addiction. By providing a supportive environment and opportunities for social interaction, Portugal’s approach can help individuals to develop healthier coping mechanisms and reduce their reliance on drugs.

Focus on Society at Large

I agree with Hari’s point that treating addiction requires a focus on society at large. Addiction is often a result of complex social and environmental factors, and addressing these factors is essential for preventing and treating addiction. From a neurobiological standpoint, social isolation and stress can contribute to addiction by disrupting the brain’s reward system and impairing decision-making abilities. By creating supportive social environments and addressing underlying social issues, we can help to reduce the prevalence of addiction.

Suggestions for Change:

Increase access to mental health services: Providing individuals with access to mental health treatment can help them address underlying issues that may contribute to addiction.
Promote social connection: Creating opportunities for social interaction and community engagement can help individuals build strong social networks and reduce feelings of isolation.
Reduce stigma: Challenging negative stereotypes and stigma associated with addiction can help individuals seek help and recover.
Address economic inequality: Poverty and economic inequality can contribute to addiction. Addressing these issues can help to reduce the risk of addiction.

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