The neuroscience of positive emotions and affect

 

Recognizing the escalating importance of addressing disparities and mental health issues globally, there is a growing emphasis on understanding and harnessing the power of positive emotions. Dr. Silton's research on Neural Correlates of Positive Emotion and Wellbeing provides valuable insights into categorizing and comprehending positive emotions. The study, aligned with The Human Affectome Project, delineates the distinction between happiness and well-being while also elucidating their interconnectedness. It delves into cognitive functions, interventions like meditation, and associations with neurotransmitters and hormones to advance neuroscience research on positive emotions. The research offers perspectives on promoting individual wellbeing by examining neurophysiological correlates, developmental aspects, and social influences.

Building upon a 30-year review of hedonic literature by Diener et al. (1999), well-being is defined through three primary components: pleasant affect, unpleasant affect, and life satisfaction. Pleasant affect encompasses joy, contentment, pride, affection, happiness, and elation, while unpleasant affect includes feelings like sadness, anxiety, stress, depression, guilt, and envy. Life satisfaction entails being content with one's current, past, and future life, alongside a desire for change.

In Dr. Jeanne Segal's book, "Raising Your Emotional Intelligence," she explores how our brains are predisposed to prioritize negative events—a survival mechanism ingrained from our ancestral past. However, she argues that our brains can be trained to cultivate positivity through practices like expressing gratitude, keeping gratitude journals, and reframing negative experiences. Furthermore, Segal emphasizes the significance of relationships in fostering happiness and fulfillment, highlighting studies showing that strong social connections contribute to greater happiness and longevity. By nurturing meaningful connections and engaging in simple acts of kindness, individuals can enhance their overall happiness and life satisfaction.

References:

        Alexander, R., Aragón, O. R., Bookwala, J., Cherbuin, N., Gatt, J. M., Kahrilas, I. J., Kästner, N., Lawrence, A., Lowe, L., Morrison, R. G., Mueller, S. C., Nusslock, R., Papadelis, C., Polnaszek, K. L., Richter, S. H., Silton, R. L., & Styliadis, C. (2021). The neuroscience of positive emotions and affect: Implications for cultivating happiness and wellbeing. Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, 121, 220–249. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.12.002

Jeanne S. Segal., & Jeanne S. Segal|AUTHOR. (2015). Raising Your Emotional Intelligence: A Practical Guide--A Hands-on Program for Harnessing the Power of Your Instincts and Emotions . Henry Holt and Co..