Emotional Arousal in AP Psychology

Definition

Emotional arousal refers to the heightened state of physiological and psychological activation that occurs in response to emotionally significant stimuli. It is associated with increased heart rate, blood pressure, and the release of stress hormones.

Related terms

Amygdala:

The amygdala is a part of the brain responsible for processing emotions, including fear and pleasure.

Fight-or-flight Response: The fight-or-flight response is an automatic physiological reaction triggered by perceived threats or stressful situations, leading to increased arousal and readiness for action.

Flashbulb Memory:

Flashbulb memory refers to vividly detailed memories of highly emotional events that are retained in long-term storage. Examples include remembering where you were during a major news event like 9/11 or hearing about the birth of a sibling.