Deconstructing arousal into wakeful, autonomic and affective varieties
Ajay B Satpute1, Philip A Kragel2, Lisa Feldman Barrett3
1Departments of Psychology and Neuroscience, Pomona College, Claremont, CA, USA; Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.
Neuroscience Letters
|January 30, 2018
Summary
Understanding arousal
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Autonomic Function
Background:
- Arousal is crucial for wakefulness, autonomic function, affect, and emotion.
- Neural mechanisms underlying different arousal sources remain unclear.
- Existing research often focuses on specific arousal types (wakeful, autonomic, affective).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review neuroscience findings on wakeful, autonomic, and affective arousal.
- To propose an integrative neural reference space for arousal.
- To address the translational gap between animal and human arousal research.
Main Methods:
- Review of neuroscience literature, primarily from non-human animal studies.
- Analysis of human non-invasive neuroimaging findings.
- Conceptualization of an integrative neural reference space.
Main Results:
- Subcortical nuclei are vital for various arousal sources, necessitating an integrated framework.
- A translational gap exists between animal (subcortical focus) and human (cortical/subcortical network focus) research.
- An integrative neural reference space is proposed to unify understanding.
Conclusions:
- An integrative neural reference space is essential for a systematic understanding of arousal.
- High-field neuroimaging may bridge the translational gap in arousal research.
- Further research is needed to explore arousal network dynamics across phenomena.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Optimal Arousal Theory
901
The optimal arousal theory suggests that performance is maximized when an individual experiences a moderate level of arousal. This theory is closely tied to the Yerkes-Dodson law, which illustrates an inverted U-shaped relationship between arousal and performance. The law, formulated by psychologists Robert Yerkes and John Dodson, implies an ideal arousal level for optimal performance, and deviations from this level can lead to declines in effectiveness.
Inverted U-Shaped Performance Curve
The...
Inverted U-Shaped Performance Curve
The...
901
01:24Sleep-Wake Cycles
3.0K
Sleep is an essential physiological process vital to maintaining overall well-being. The reticular activating system (RAS), a network of neurons in the brainstem, regulates wakefulness and sleep. While it may seem passive, sleep consists of distinct cycles, each with its unique characteristics and functions. Two key sleep phases are non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM).
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
3.0K
01:24Role of Affect in Interpersonal Attraction
239
Affect plays a crucial role in shaping interpersonal evaluations and perceptions. Emotions influence how individuals judge and respond to others, often determining whether interactions are viewed positively or negatively. This effect can manifest directly through interactions with the person in question or indirectly via associations with unrelated emotional experiences.Direct Effects of Affect on AttractionAffect directly influences interpersonal attraction when a person’s behavior...
239
01:22Autonomic Nervous System
13.1K
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a critical component of the peripheral nervous system, primarily responsible for regulating involuntary bodily functions and maintaining homeostasis. It functions in tandem with the central nervous system (CNS) to seamlessly coordinate various physiological processes without the need for conscious control.
The ANS comprises two main divisions: the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions. These divisions function antagonistically to maintain a dynamic...
The ANS comprises two main divisions: the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions. These divisions function antagonistically to maintain a dynamic...
13.1K
01:29The Influence of Affect on Cognition
307
Positive affect significantly influences cognitive processes, including evaluation, memory, creativity, and social judgments. Compared to negative affect, positive emotional states promote more favorable interpretations of stimuli, cognitive flexibility, and heuristic processing. These effects highlight emotions' powerful role in shaping how individuals perceive, remember, and interact with the world.Influence on Evaluation and AttributionWhen individuals experience positive affect, they are...
307
01:29The Influence of Cognition on Affect
232
Cognition plays a pivotal role in shaping emotional experiences, as demonstrated by Schachter and Singer’s two-factor theory of emotion. According to this model, emotion arises from a combination of physiological arousal and cognitive interpretation. The body’s physiological response to stimuli is ambiguous and only gains emotional significance through cognitive labeling. For instance, an increased heart rate and adrenaline surge while standing near an attractive person may be...
232