Motivation, Emotion and Stress

Part 1 The mind-body problem: historical background - the humours, Descartes, dualism; the modern view; biopsychology. Part 2 Emotion: what are emotions? emotions and moods, are emotions universal? the physiological response; theories of emotion - common sense, the James-Lange theory, the Cannon-Bard theory, cognitive labelling theory, attention and attribution (a diversion), attribution theory, cognitive appraisal theory. Part 3 Motivation: the concept of motivation -activity and behaviour; theories of motivation - homeostasis, drive reduction theory, sexual drive; social motives; hierarchy of needs. Part 4 Stress and the body: introduction of stress - stress meaning stressors, stress meaning strain, stress as an interaction, stress as change; the effects of stress on the body - psycho-neuro-immunology; the effect of stressors on the body - noise, temperature control, circadian rhythms, other sources of stress. Part 5 Stress, illness and health: the relationship between stress and illness; can stress have a direct effect in illness? stressful events and the immune system, stress and respiratory illness, natural painkillers; stress is related to illness in vulnerable individuals; the stressful event may cause changes in behaviour, and so cause illness; relationship between social factors,psychology and biology, stress and heart disease; reducing stress - coping strategies. Further reading; references; glossary; answers to self-assessment questions; acknowledgements.