-PET images of adult subjects asked to reexperience episodes of happiness showed increased activity in the right posterior cingulate cortex and left insula,  as well as decreased activity in the left anterior cingulate cortex.

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

New York University

State University of New York at Buffalo

Studies investigating different brain regions associated with emotion concluded that there is no singular brain region associated with a specific emotion. Rather, each emotion has different patterns of activation across several different brain regions.

Brain Regions Associated with Emotions

These are feelings like happiness, contentment, or interest.  They can actually calm down autonomic arousal ("fight or flight" responses), signal safety, and prompt people to engage socially and with their physical environment.  

Positive Emotions

Breedlove, S. & Watson, N. (2017). Behavioral neuroscience, eighth edition. Oxford University Press.

Behavioral Neuroscience 8th Edition

- A biological neural network, in theory, is an assemblage of structures that are able to regulate central nervous system automatisms with efficiency and pin-point accuracy.
- The concept of neural networks was originally coined in order to understand the construction of a neural circuit; it has since evolved to explaining circuitry functionality and interconnectedness with other networks and structures.
- The triple-network model of psychopathology, moreover, is representative of this idea, wherein the salience network (SN) serves as an interface between the frontoparietal network (FPN) and default mode network (DMN), allowing the integration and balance of neural processing with affective processes.

Biological Neural Network

- Experiments conducted by Andreas Bartels and Semir Zeki (2000) found that feelings of love increased activity in the insula and anterior cingulate cortex, as well as in the caudate and putamen. 

- Feelings of love also showed reduced activity in the posterior cingulate and amygdala, as well as the right prefrontal cortex. 


The Love Pathway

The Happiness Pathway

-PET images of adult subjects asked to reexperience episodes of anger showed increased activity in the left anterior cingulate cortex and pons.



Neural Pathway for Anger

-PET images of adult subjects asked to reexperience episodes of sadness showed increased activity in the anterior cingulate cortex, insula, and dorsal pons, as well as decreased activity in the posterior cingulate cortex.

The Sadness Pathway

Not only does the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex activate when one experiences disgust but so does the amygdala, ventromedial PFC, orbitofrontal cortex, insular cortex and the anterior cingulate.

The pathway for social and moral disgust is consistent with core disgust or gastrointestinal discomfort. 



The Disgust Pathway

A neuroscientist conducts a study where participants view images designed to evoke fear. Using fMRI scans, the researcher observes significant activation in the amygdala. Based on this finding, the researcher publishes a paper concluding that the amygdala is the brain's 'fear center.' Based on the contemporary understanding of how the brain processes emotions, evaluate the researcher's conclusion. Why is this conclusion likely an oversimplification?

Interpreting Brain Imaging Research

The limbic system is made up of a number of different structures that are involved in processing both emotion and memory. Three of its most important components include the amygdala, the hippocampus, and the hypothalamus.

Limbic System

Positive emotions expand people's attention, cognition, and behaviors, which leads to the buildup of physical, intellectual, and social resources that can promote resilience.

The Broaden and Build Theory of Positive Emotions

- Decreased risk of disease
- Improved immune system function
- Increased longevity
- Success at work and in social relationships

Benefits of Positive Emotions

The emotion of happiness is often seen as a beneficial positive emotion. However, heightened levels of happiness have been linked to several negative outcomes:

- Reduced creativity compared to moderate happiness levels.
- Increased propensity to overlook threats.
- Increased engagement in risk-taking behaviors, such as binge eating, alcohol consumption, and drug use.
- Higher likelihood of experiencing mood relapse over time.

Drawbacks of The Positive Emotion Happiness

Eudaimonic happiness refers to well-being that focuses on meaning, purpose, and self-realization (i.e., "I feel that life is very rewarding"). Hedonic happiness refers to well-being in terms of attaining pleasure and avoiding pain (i.e., "I often experience joy and elation"). A number of emotional outcomes of PPIs fall into both eudaimonic and hedonic categories. 

Eudaimonic vs. Hedonic Happiness 

- Nurturant Love
- Attachment Love
- Romantic Love
- Sympathy
- Tenderness
- Joy/Cheerfulness
- Excitement
- Enjoyment
- Engagement
- Euphoria
- Fascination
- Awe
- Hope
- Altruism
- Interest
- Amazement
- Admiration
- Affection
- Enthusiasm
- Eagerness
- Amusement
- Contentment
- Happiness
- Confidence
- Authentic Pride
- Hubristic Pride
- Surprise
- Inspiration
- Elevation
- Gratitude
- Relief 
- Calmness/Serenity/Peace/Tranquility

Learn Before

Related