Section 5-3: Inverted :-( hypothesis.

-Courtesy of tumblr.com #smileyfry-

In psychology there is a theory which suggests there are optimal levels of emotional arousal when performing tasks of a varying complexity. This theory is known as the "inverted U hypothesis" and according to the suggested model, the less complex a task is the higher level of emotional arousal required to perform optimally at the task at hand and vice-versa. I believe this model functions as a good predictor of performance generally, but due to its objective nature misses out again on the subjective nature of psychology. I agree that a high level of emotion while doing a monotonous task such as driving across the country to assist a loved one can help with the completion of that task, and that being overly distressed and emotional while writing an exam will hinder performance... this is based on negative emotions. If you tie in the fact that most people with "Duchenne" smiles tend to live longer lives and are overall healthier... perhaps it is worthwhile to feel pleased during tasks of great complexity. I would like to propose the "Turn that frown upside down" model... or to play on the existing model. "the inverted :-( hypothesis"

-Courtesy of tumblr.com #smileyfry-

I take this example from my own life. Anyone who has read through a master copy of my test booklets that I have marked up or written notes in can see that I carry quite a lot of personal energy in these situations. I use humorous writing, self-talk, and even laugh at myself in these situations  to keep myself focused on the task at hand. If I can study a task to the point of complete comprehension I find that it helps to keep an environment of levity about the situation (currently my progress in post-secondary studies reflects this well.)

Psychology is subjective, and until we invent some sort of measuring system that can account for this, any models which use graphs and charts as the basis for their theory will ultimately be flawed in some way.


Note to the Professor
If you are to pair up this section with a particular part of the written Journal you will find that I continue to discuss stress for another five pages (p.37-42) and I take the concepts of Seyles General adaptation syndrome, maladaptive coping methods, treatment seeking and rational thinking, and I apply these to personal experiences. for this section I feel as though the topics are too sensitive to be put on display publicly. So feel free to read through them yourself for the purpose of additional information, but I will not be placing these topics on the electronic edition of the website.