Neurobiology of Emotion: Brain Mechanisms and Theories

The Landscape of Emotional Life

• Affective processes (emotions and feelings)
• Affective states (mood and bodily states)

Defining Emotion

Emotion is an internal emotional reaction of some duration, with a beginning and an end, directed toward an object (concrete or abstract). It is classified as positive or negative (pleasure vs. displeasure) and accompanies cognition and learning.

Key characteristics of emotion include:

1. No universally accepted definition.
2. Accompanied by autonomic, endocrine, and skeletomotor responses.
3. Dependence on subcortical areas such as the hypothalamus and brainstem (e.g., amygdala).

Key Affective Concepts

Affective Process

A psychological experience or response with a beginning and an end, aimed at a specific object.

Affective State

A durable and stationary state that has no definite independent object. These states are often linked to hormonal rhythms, are difficult to verbalize or objectify, and are accompanied by associated bodily states.

Feeling

A durable process, with a beginning and an end, directed toward a specific object. It has a more structured and organized quality.

Major Theories of Emotion

Evolutionary Theory of Emotions (Darwin)

Darwin proposed that expressions of emotions evolved from behaviors that were either beneficial or detrimental. Messages are often indicated by movements and postures opposite to each other (the principle of antithesis).

Peripheral Response Theory (William James & Carl Lange)

The emotional experience is the result of the brain's perception of somatic and autonomic responses triggered by external stimuli.

• Facial Feedback Hypothesis: People react emotionally in two ways: first and immediately with facial expression and body, then subsequently. Events that trigger emotional responses evoke distinctive peripheral responses (reflexes and physiological reactions).

Nonspecific Activation Theory (Walter Cannon & Philip Bard)

Emotional experiences are parallel processes that have no direct causal relationship. Activating events elicit feelings, expressive behavior, and physiological responses almost simultaneously, and these responses are quite similar across different emotions.

Cognitive Theory (Lazarus, Folkman, Ellis, Schachter & Singer)

This theory is an evolution of the nonspecific activation theory, considering the cognitive interpretation of emotional stimuli as a key element.

• Steps in the Process of Cognitive Interpretation:
  • Interpretation of environmental stimuli (e.g., a sudden loud noise).
  • Interpretation of bodily stimuli resulting from autonomic activation (e.g., increased heart rate).