Glossary / Lexicon

Arousal refers to a state of alertness and mental and physical activation of a human. It is an activation in any of the body's systems (e.g., activation of the sympathetic nervous system or the cerebral cortex).

Arousal as a general term has resisted definition, because sometimes one system is activated while another is not.
Arousal refers also to a phase in the sexual response cycle, psychological experience of arousal and pleasure as well as physiological changes, such as the tensing of muscles and enlargement of blood vessels and tissues. It is a degree of physiological excitation, responsivity, and readiness for action, relative to a baseline; a physiological reaction, including faster heartbeat and faster or heavier breathing, linked to most conscious emotions Arousal is also called the Excitement phase.

Description

Arousal in psychology refers to the state of being physiologically and mentally alert and awake. It is often associated with increased heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration, as well as heightened attention and awareness. Arousal can also be influenced by external stimuli, such as stress, excitement, or fear, and internal factors, such as thoughts and emotions. It plays a crucial role in cognitive processes, motivation, and decision-making. Arousal levels can vary from person to person and can be measured using techniques such as electroencephalography (EEG) and heart rate monitoring.

Application Areas

• Sports performance
• Education and learning
• Therapy and counseling
• Driving and transportation
• Stress management

Treatment and Risks

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Relaxation techniques
• Medication for anxiety or arousal disorders
• Risks include increased stress levels and potential physical health issues

Examples

• Feeling nervous before a presentation
• Experiencing excitement during a thrilling movie
• Feeling alert and focused during a competitive sports game

Similar Concepts and Synonyms

• Alertness
• Vigilance
• Excitement
• Agitation

Articles with 'Arousal' in the title

• Arousal function: Arousal function : Arousal function in Hebb’s and Hull’s theories, the motivating function of a stimulus. That aspect of the stimulus that relates to attention or alertness
• Arousal theory: Arousal theory refers to the general class of theories that assume behaviour is partly a function of the general state of arousal (excitation) or de-arousal (inhibition) of the cortex and/or other brain structures
• Arousal-Interpretation Theory: Arousal-Interpretation Theory which is also known as - Schachter-Singer Theory (1962) refers to one of the best-known approaches to emotions which can be said to have started the mod- ern era in emotion research with its emphasis on . . .
• Attribution-of-arousal theory: Attribution-of-arousal theory refers to an approach that combines the James-Lange emphasis on bodily feedback with a cognitive approach to emotion. Various stimuli can trigger a general state of arousal, which is then interpreted in light . . .
• Confusional arousals: Confusional arousals refer to sleep drunkenness or excessive sleep inertia, this disorder is an extreme example of the slowness most people feel upon awakening
• Cortical arousal: Cortical arousal is the activation of the Cerebral cortex, a structure of the brain that is responsible for higher intellectual functioning, information processing, and decision making
• Empathic arousal: Empathic arousal refers to an emotional Arousal that occurs when you feel some of another person's pain, fear, or anguish. Example, when you feel the anguish of people in a typhoon- inflicted country or the fear of those people living in . . .
• Female sexual arousal disorder: Female sexual arousal disorder or FSAD refers to the recurrent inability of women to attain or maintain the swelling-lubrication response of sexual excitement- a sexual disorder in which there is a lack of response to sexual stimulation
• Hyperarousal: Hyperarousal refers to a response to exposure to violence and trauma including low threshold for startle response, increases in heart rate, sleep disturbance, anxiety, and motor hyperactivity

Summary

Arousal in psychology refers to the state of being mentally and physically alert, influenced by external and internal factors. It plays a vital role in various cognitive processes and behaviors, such as decision-making, motivation, and attention. Arousal levels can vary among individuals and can be measured using different techniques. It is essential to manage arousal effectively, as both high and low levels can impact overall well-being and performance.

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