Emily+Willoughby+RP+Post+1

I.) I am leaning towards writing the #1 option, the position paper. I would use this is because it is a topic that could be taken in either a scientific or intangible direction, and this format allows me to do that easily by explaining both sides, as opposed to an extended definition or lit review. I might find an Informative paper (type #3) easier later on, after researching, depending on if I find enough information about unscientific ideas. This paper will allow me to explore both the psychological reasoning for emotions, and the science behind it. I'll be able to see both at once, like seeing two sides of the same coin at the same time. An exercise of vantage point, I am guessing that this project will force me to wrap my mind around an emotional idea in both a spiritual and rational way, like believing in Santa Claus while knowing at the same time that the presents under the tree are wrapped with the wrapping paper in your parents' closet. I'm interested to see if I can successfully get to that point of understanding.

II.)

Why do people experience heartache after an emotional or stressful event?

To what extent is the human body controlled by emotions?

__To what extent can emotions truly be "controlled'?__

What are the effects of having mastered/controlled ones emotions?

III.) What I know about emotions falls on my personal experience. I experience emotions, but unlike some people I have been paying extra close attention to mine over the past few months, studying what makes me stressed, emotional, or get pushed over the edge. In addition to the instigator of an emotion, I also have focused on trying to overcome sadness and disappointment through rationalizing- with varying results. I also know of monks or nuns who meditate to stay calm and controlled, and wonder how such a feat is accomplished.

According to Wikipedia:
 * the want to control emotions is created by situations formed in society
 * men are told to control fear, while women are told to control anger depends on culture
 * there are different ways to suppress emotions, such as avoiding topics of upsetting nature, distraction oneself, psychotherapy, or rational emotive behavior therapy

IV.) This is a topic that I am currently involved in, and researching it formally will definitely bring about a change in my actions in the future. I might learn something that will change the ways that I go about my emotions, or perhaps I will strengthen my resolve to continue my studies. Either way, through discovering more about myself and the human field of emotions, I will open doors I never thought existed and become changed. I'm interested to see what I will learn, and how or if I will change from it.