Social Week

Social Week 2 MD1 – 2

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Social Week 2 MD1 – 2

Discussion 1

Emotions are influenced considerably by the labels that individuals attach to them. Accordingly, Schachter and Singer (1962) assert that the emotional states among persons tend to comprise a function or part of states of psychological motivation or arousal. Additionally, the different emotional states that an individual attaches to a particular event or situation such as drug use and alcohol use are usually perceptions that are adept to the respective condition of arousal. In this respect, if a person lacks the ability to provide an explanation of the psychological excitement that he or she is currently experiencing, he or she will be more inclined to label the respective state (Schacter, 1962). Hence, by attaching labels to the emotions he or she feels, the person will provide a description of the state in relation to the perceptions available to him or her. Indeed, it is possible to control the emotions that one feels. In such instances, the person can alter the sentiments by asserting different labels. However, in order for such control to take place, the person needs to be aware of his or her current psychological state (Schacter, 1962). This will allow him or her to label the perceptions.

Discussion 2

Even though hooking up is a rather popular practice in college and university campuses, it exposes one to hazardous repercussions due to the influences that arise from pluralistic ignorance. The results of the study show that men and women were more inclined to experience comfort while taking part in a range of sex-based behaviors during hook ups (Lambert, Kahn, & Apple, 2003). The overestimation of comfort levels among the respective peers solely reinforces faster ways to gain negative effects such as disease, trauma, as well as unintended pregnancies (Reiber & Garcia, 2010). Despite gaining knowledge of these findings concerning the repercussions of hook-ups, the pressure to engage in the said practice will continue being difficult to resist based on the assumption that such sexual behaviors are more comfortable between both peers (Lambert, Kahn, & Apple, 2003). Aside from hook ups, teenagers can also take part in alcohol and binge drinking.

References

Lambert, T. A., Kahn, A. S., & Apple, K. J. (2003). Pluralistic ignorance and hooking up. Journal of Sex Research, 40(2), 129-133.

Reiber, C., & Garcia, J. R. (2010). Hooking up: Gender differences, evolution, and pluralistic ignorance. Evolutionary Psychology, 8(3), 390-404.

Schachter, S., & Singer, J. (1962). Cognitive, social, and physiological determinants of emotional state. Psychological Review, 69(5), 379-399.