Psychology 2030A/B Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Sympathetic Nervous System, Behaviour Therapy, Reinforcement

• School: Western University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: Psychology 2030A/B
• Professor: David Vollick

Document Summary

What is anxiety? a common emotion characterized by physical symptoms, future oriented thoughts, and escape or avoidance behaviours. Occurs when people encounter a new situation or anticipate a life-changing event. Usually is time-limited and ends when the event is over. Behavioural therapy reduce pattern of negative reinforcement that maintains avoidance behaviour. Activation of the sympathetic nervous system triggered by fear or stress. Sympathetic nervous system increases heart rate and respiration allowing body to perform at peak efficiency. Allows you to use all available resources to escape. Parasympathetic nervous system slows down the heart rate and respiration, thus returning the body to a resting rate.