Gwybodaeth Modiwlau

The study of emotion and mood, often referred to by psychologists as ‘affect’, has historically been overshadowed by the study of cognition and behaviour. Recent developments in neuroscience, allied to an increasingly comprehensive understanding of the role of emotion and mood in cognition and behaviour relating to decision making, physical and mental health, interpersonal relationships/social harmony, and human performance, has led to a resurgence of interest in affective phenomena. The module will provide students with the unique opportunity to adopt a historical, scientific, critical and applied perspective towards emotion and mood. It will also maintain throughout a strong critical focus on methods of data collection and analysis used in relevant research. It will contribute substantially to students’ understanding of human thought and behaviour.

Affect, behaviour and cognition have been termed ‘the ABC of Psychology’. Whilst 20th century psychology was arguably characterised by the study of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychology, a resurgence of interest in emotion and mood suggests that the study of affect might similarly characterise psychology in the early 21st Century. Many argue that this interest in emotion and mood, which are after all often cited as defining characteristics of what it is to ‘be human’, is long overdue and could usher in new approaches to the treatment of mental and physical pathology, could help societies to better understand deviant behaviours, and could lead scientists to a greater understanding of human potential. The module will address historical and conceptual issues relating to emotion and mood and will address debates relating to function and definition. It will then focus on specific phenomena such as emotional factors in intelligence, perception and decision making, health and psychopathology, and performance. It will conclude with a focus on applications such as emotion regulation, self control, and mood management. In fact throughout the modules a strong emphasis will be placed on application of emotion and mood theory to real world problems, in for example physical and mental health, interpersonal relationships/social harmony, and human performance. Whilst by no means a ‘self help’ course, it is anticipated that students will, on completion, have acquired a greater understanding of relationships between their emotions and moods and various aspects of their lives, as well as a clear evidence-based understanding of strategies used in modifying emotion and mood towards desired outcomes. The module is led by an academic with numerous publications in the field, many of which will directly inform the module content.

The module aims to provide students with a clear understanding of the history of the study of emotion (based as much in philosophy as in psychology), to examine and critique functional accounts, to understand the strengths and limitations of emotion and mood research, and to become familiar, and even adept in, recognising and regulating both normal and disordered emotions and mood. It will have a strong applied focus that will enable students to better understand their own emotions and moods and how best to modify each towards better physical health, mental health and academic performance.