Cursos / 1º Ciclo / Institute of Psychology and Educational Sciences :: Psychology

PSICOLOGIA DA MOTIVAÇÃO E DAS EMOÇÕES - 2025/2026

2º curricular year
Semestralidade: 1st semester
ECTS: 6

Teachers

Leading Teacher: Prof. Doutora Sofia Marques Ramalho
Assistant Professor: Prof. Doutora Sofia Marques Ramalho

Class type and School hours

Orientação Tutorial : 1 Horas
Teórico-prática : 2 Horas

Teaching Language

Portuguese

Main Aims/Objectives

Explore the fundamental concepts and theories of the psychology of emotions and motivation.

Understand the biological, psychological, and social mechanisms underlying emotion and its interaction with motivational functioning, highlighting its importance for understanding individual and social behavior.

Specific Aims/Objectives

Identify the concepts, theories/models of the psychology of emotion and motivation;
Understand the neuroanatomical foundations of the emotional system and developmental dynamics underlying emotional processing;
Critically analyze different theoretical approaches to emotional processing and motivational functioning;
Understand the mechanisms of interaction between self-regulation, motivation, and emotion, integrating the knowledge acquired to explain human behavior.

Skills to be acquired

Recognize the essential principles and models of the psychology of emotions and motivation.
Know and explain the (neuro)biological and psychological mechanisms underlying emotional processing and expression.
Become familiar with strategies for assessing emotional responses, identifying emotions, and emotional regulation strategies.
Integrate knowledge about emotions and motivation to explain human behavior and social phenomena.

Teaching Procedures

Articulation between the active and expository method using problem-based learning. Pedagogical techniques such as brainstorming, article analysis, quizzes/serious games, and interaction with artificial intelligence tools will be used.

Programme

1.Introduction to the study of emotions and motivation
1.1.Concepts and constructs;
1.2.Epistemological foundations: historical and multidisciplinary evolution;
2.Emotions as a multidimensional phenomenon
2.1.Behavioral genetics; neuroanatomic circuitries; psychophysiology of emotions; facial and vocal expression;
2.2.Cognitive dimensions: atention, memory, learning, decision-making, executive functioning and meaning making;
2.3.Social dimensions:interpersonal relations, social and relational context and culture;
3.Emotional system development
3.1.Components of the emotional experience: emotional appraisal, awareness, understanding, expression and regulation
3.2.From temperament to self and identity
4.Emotions and adaptation: psychopathology, competence, health, economy, education, subjective wellbeing
5.Characteritics and functions of basic emotions:fear, anger, sadness, love, joy
6.Emotion/Cognition Interaction: the case of Motivation;
6.1. Emotion, motivation and self-regulation

Evaluation Type

Assessment will consist of two written tests to be taken during the semester and a group project with a written component (to be submitted at the end of the semester) and a practical component involving a class simulation. In the group project, each group will be asked to apply the knowledge acquired in the theoretical-practical classes in the development and brief simulated implementation of a psycho-educational session to promote emotional literacy/emotional regulation skills.

Teaching Resources

Projector.

Sustainability Objectives

Ensure access to inclusive, quality, and equitable education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Keywords

Emotion; motivation; emotional regulation;

Main Bibliography

Complementary Bibliography