Our emotional responses are entirely driven by hormones such as adrenalin (epinephrine), testosterone, and cortisol. The orbitofrontal cortex – vital in many higher-order functions such as reasoning, processing language, and even consciousness – if damaged, dramatically changes personality and emotional response (Eysenck & Keane, 2015).įinally, before leaving the physiology behind, it is worth noting that the brain is also underpinned by complex chemical activity.The amygdala, a central part of the limbic system, has been recognized in brain-injured patients as central to identifying emotions in others’ faces, such as fear, sadness, and anger.Recently, research has begun to provide insight into what is happening in the brain when we experience emotion.Īdvanced brain scanning using positron emission tomography and functional magnetic resonance imaging has identified two potential areas engaged in regulating and managing our emotions (Workman & Reader, 2015). For example, a fear of heights may lead to an increased heart rate and cortisol production, psychological coping strategies, and specific behavior such as checking and re-checking safety equipment (Diemer, Lohkamp, Mühlberger, & Zwanzger, 2016). Indeed, Nesse (1990) suggested there are three components to emotions: physiological, psychological, and behavioral. For example, happiness and anger have physiological responses, such as increased heart rate and sweating, not shared by motivation. However, while there are clear links, it is worth noting that emotions differ from motivation regarding their expression. Our ancestors had to identify reliable food sources, avoid being eaten, protect their young, and find a suitable sexual partner (Workman & Reader, 2015).Įmotions – such as interest, sadness, and anger – are crucial factors in such motivation, driving us to both act and react. While the environment we live in has changed dramatically, we still share their capacity for problem solving, perception, belief systems, and emotional thinking (Workman & Reader, 2015).Ī definition of emotional thinking must, therefore, not only (i) cater to the range of emotions we possess (including both positive and negative) it should also (ii) explain how we react physically, psychologically, and cognitively to everyday events ( proximate factors) and (iii) explain why the mechanism evolved over many generations ( ultimate factors).Įvolutionary psychologist Randolph Nesse (1990) describes emotions as “ specialized modes of operation shaped by natural selection” to influence behavior in response to “ threats and opportunities.”Īfter all, evolution’s psychological adaptations are not only for problem solving, but also for helping and motivating the individual to maintain and sustain goal-directed behavior. The human mind evolved key adaptations to facilitate our ancient ancestors’ survival and reproductive challenges. 4 Ways to Better Understand Your Emotions.The Important Role of Negative Emotions.What Are Emotions and How Do They Work?.
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