Dual Pathway Model Of Fear

As has been noted in your response, the experiment performed was consistent with the facial feedback hypothesis. Although our averages for the portion of the experiment based on an individual with pursed lips varied slightly, the result of those who were asked to show bared teeth were the same. While this hypothesis is most fitting, one might attempt to apply other theories to the experimentation. Consider the dual-pathway model of fear, should one attempt to apply this concept to another emotion such as happiness, what might it look like (Nevid, 2015, p. 309)? It must be noted, this theory was not created as a concept to apply to happiness, thus its name, “model of fear”. Nonetheless, according to this “feel first, think second” concept,

Therefore, I must explain this concept based on its true purpose; to understand how the body reacts to the emotion of panic stricken fright. According to the text, Joseph LeDoux formulated the theory that the brain utilizes two pathways to process fear (Nevid, 2015, p. 309). First, the thalamus processes an environmental factor, from there information will either travel the “high road” or the “low rode” (Nevid, 2015, p. 309). Consequently, the high road being the path that leads the evidences directly to the cerebral cortex for a more in-depth assessment, results in a longer reaction time period. Whereas the low road brings the information to the amygdala in a few thousands of a second, allowing for a more prompt response to fear. The quicker path does not necessarily lead to the appropriate response for the circumstance, although, it is this swift reactive response of protection which could be the determining factor between survival and death. Nonetheless, following this step, the body will complete an evaluation of the situation, through the cortex, in order to determine whether the perceived danger was truly a threat. Hence, the concept of “feel first, think second” (Nevid, 2015, p.