How Emotions Are Made: Summary Review
This is a summary review of How Emotions Are Made containing key details about the book.
What is How Emotions Are Made About?
"How Emotions Are Made" by Lisa Feldman Barrett, PhD is a groundbreaking book that explores the latest scientific findings on the nature of emotions and how they are constructed in the brain.
In How Emotions Are Made, the author draws on the latest scientific evidence to reveal that our ideas about emotion are dramatically, even dangerously, out of date - and that we have been paying the price. Emotions don't exist objectively in nature, she explains, and they aren't pre-programmed in our brains and bodies; rather, they are psychological experiences that each of us constructs based on our unique personal history, physiology and environment.
Summary Points & Takeaways from How Emotions Are Made
Some key summary points and takeaways from the book include:
* Emotions are not innate or hard-wired, but are instead constructed by the brain from our perceptions, thoughts, and physical sensations.
* Our emotions are shaped by our experiences and cultural context, which means that different cultures can have very different emotional experiences.
* The brain's sensory systems and the cortex work together to construct emotions, and this process is highly flexible and can be influenced by our beliefs and expectations.
* Our emotions have a direct impact on our physical health, and changes in our emotions can have immediate effects on our bodies and health outcomes.
* Emotional regulation is key to our well-being, and we can learn to manage our emotions by changing the way we think and respond to events.
* Negative emotions such as anger and fear are not inherently bad, but they can cause problems if they are not regulated.
* The relationship between emotions and mental disorders such as depression and anxiety is complex and multifaceted, and a better understanding of emotions can lead to more effective treatments for these conditions.
* Overall, "How Emotions Are Made" provides a comprehensive overview of the science of emotions and its implications for our lives, and is a must-read for anyone interested in the field.
Who is the author of How Emotions Are Made?
Lisa Feldman Barrett is a distinguished professor of psychology at Northeastern University, where she focuses on affective science. She is a director of the Interdisciplinary Affective Science Laboratory. Along with James Russell, she is the founding editor-in-chief of the journal Emotion Review.
How Emotions Are Made Summary Notes
Summary Note: The Prevailing View of Emotions as Hardwired Reflexes.
The classical view of emotions, which has been widely accepted for centuries, portrays emotions as hardwired reflexes in our brains. According to this view, emotions are automatic, universal, and triggered in distinct regions of the brain. This perspective assumes that each person is equally emotionally expressive and capable of recognizing the same emotions in others, as if the brain were pre-wired with specific neurons for each emotion.
This classical view is taught in psychology textbooks and reflected in media discussions about emotions. It suggests that emotions have an underlying essence and are identified through physical responses, known as fingerprints. For example, when we encounter a situation that triggers "anger neurons," our blood boils and our face may form a scowl. Similarly, "sadness neurons" may be triggered when we experience the loss of a loved one, leading to tears.
However, recent research challenges this classical view and proposes that emotions are not hardwired reflexes, but rather constructed by the brain based on our individual experiences, interpretations, and cultural influences. This perspective, known as the theory of constructed emotions, suggests that emotions are not automatic, but rather actively created by the brain through a complex process of perception, cognition, and appraisal.
The theory of constructed emotions highlights the dynamic and flexible nature of emotions, shaped by our unique experiences and perspectives. It suggests that emotions are not universal, but rather diverse and subjective, varying across individuals and cultures. This challenges the concept of essentialism, which assumes that emotions have a fixed essence that is universally recognized.
Understanding the theory of constructed emotions can have significant implications in how we perceive and manage our emotions. It emphasizes the importance of context, individual differences, and cultural influences in shaping our emotional experiences. It also highlights the role of cognitive processes, such as perception and appraisal, in constructing our emotions. By recognizing that emotions are not hardwired reflexes, but rather complex and subjective experiences, we can develop a more nuanced and holistic understanding of emotions and how they impact our lives.
Summary Note: Challenging the Classical View of Emotions: Debunking the Hardwired Brain Theory
The prevailing classical view of emotions, which sees them as hardwired into our brains, is being challenged by scientific evidence. This view, espoused by thinkers from Aristotle to modern-day psychologists, assumes that emotions are universal and automatically triggered in distinct regions of the brain. However, recent research from the Interdisciplinary Affective Science Laboratory has shown that this classical view does not hold up to scrutiny.
Experiments conducted at the laboratory analyzed brain-imaging data from 1990 to 2011, dividing the human brain into tiny virtual cubes and computing the probability of increased brain activation within each cube during emotions such as fear, sadness, anger, and happiness. Contrary to the classical view, there was no single brain region dedicated to any specific emotion, and each "emotion" region of the brain also increased in activity during non-emotional thoughts and perceptions. This means that emotions are not hardwired in the brain, and there is no single obligatory response to any particular emotion.
This finding challenges the idea of emotions as reflexes or artifacts of evolution beyond rationality. It also debunks the concept of essentialism, which assumes that all individuals are equally emotionally expressive and capable of automatically recognizing the same emotions in others. In reality, emotions can be expressed in a variety of ways and are specific to the situation.
Despite this evidence, the science and tech industries continue to waste money on research that attempts to identify emotions based on physical signs such as facial muscle movements, body changes, and brain signals. For example, the failed SPOT program used by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in 2007 aimed to identify potential terrorists based on facial and body movements, costing taxpayers $900 million.
Summary Note: How Emotions Are Made: Understanding Emotions as Constructed Responses
In a world where emotions are often seen as natural and involuntary, the author challenges the classical view and introduces the theory of constructed emotion as a new way of understanding how emotions are formed. According to this theory, emotions are not fixed or innate, but rather are created spontaneously and concurrently in various areas of the brain based on individual experiences and sensory inputs.
The author argues that emotions are not universal, but are shaped by an individual's prior experiences and sensory perceptions. Just like how different individuals may have varying responses to a given situation, emotions also vary from person to person. For example, anger can be expressed in multiple ways, such as through facial expressions, bodily changes, and movements, and the brain selects the most appropriate response based on the context. This explains why emotions can manifest differently in different situations and individuals, and there is no one-size-fits-all emotional response.
Drawing parallels to Charles Darwin's theory of evolution, the author likens emotions to species, where each species is not fixed, but rather a population of individuals that subtly vary based on their environment. Similarly, emotions are not fixed or predetermined, but are constructed by individuals as they navigate their experiences and perceptions of the world.
This perspective challenges the traditional view of emotions as distinct, fixed entities, and instead suggests that emotions are flexible and dynamic, shaped by an individual's unique experiences and context. It implies that emotions are not universal or objective, but rather subjective and individually constructed. This has significant implications for fields such as psychology, neuroscience, and even industries like science and technology, which often invest resources in researching and identifying emotions based on physical signs or brain signals.
Summary Note: Understanding How Our Bodies Predict and Create Emotions
In this main idea from the book "How Emotions Are Made," the author introduces the concept of interoception, which is the brain's predictive system for managing the body's internal sensations, including emotions. Similar to how our brains go on "autopilot" while driving a car, interoception operates unconsciously to keep our bodies functioning smoothly.
Interoception is a core component in the creation of emotions. It involves the brain continuously processing internal and external sensations as raw data that is then repurposed into emotions. There are two spectrums of affects, which are aspects of consciousness, that interoception operates on: pleasure and displeasure, and agitation and calmness.
While affects are innate and can be perceived from birth, they do not necessarily result in specific emotions on their own. For example, feeling pleasure from the warmth of the sun on your skin or experiencing discomfort from a stomachache are affects, but they do not automatically make you happy or sad. Emotions are constructed based on these affects and other contextual cues, such as prior experiences and sensory inputs.
This understanding challenges the traditional view of emotions as innate and fixed, and instead supports the idea that emotions are dynamic and constantly constructed by our brains. It highlights the role of interoception in this process, as it predicts and shapes our emotional experiences based on the ongoing sensory inputs and internal sensations of our bodies.
By recognizing the predictive nature of interoception and how affects are building blocks for emotions, we can gain a deeper understanding of how our bodies and brains work together to create our emotional experiences. It also emphasizes the importance of context in shaping our emotions, as each individual may construct emotions differently based on their unique experiences and perceptions.
Summary Note: How Emotions Are Made: Understanding the Role of Interoception in Regulating our Body Budget
Our bodies have an autopilot system called interoception, which is responsible for managing the internal workings of our body without conscious effort. Interoception is also a key component in the creation of emotions. It involves two spectrums of affects - pleasure and displeasure, and agitation and calmness. These affects are innate and can be perceived from birth, resulting in emotional responses such as crying in babies.
Interoception operates through a network of brain regions, including the body-budgeting region and the primary interoceptive cortex. The body-budgeting region uses past experiences to determine what the body needs and sends instructions to control the internal environment accordingly. This can include regulating heart rate, respiration, and metabolism. The primary interoceptive cortex represents internal sensations, such as the feeling of a pounding heart.
The body budget, which is regulated by the interoception system, controls the allocation of resources such as glucose, cortisol, and heart rate in our bodies. Our emotions are stimulated based on the state of our body budget. Our bodies are constantly using up resources, even during seemingly passive activities like resting or imagining. The interoception system also responds to psychological stressors, such as feeling stressed at work, which can affect the body budget and trigger emotional responses.
When the body budget becomes unbalanced, it can result in agitated affects, such as feeling anxious or distressed. These feelings are often due to a lack of resources in a particular situation. In response, the brain may generate emotions as a way to explain the bodily sensations. For example, feeling displeased and aroused may be associated with fear.
Understanding the role of interoception in regulating our body budget provides insights into how our emotions are created. It highlights the interconnectedness between our bodies and emotions, and how our bodily sensations play a crucial role in shaping our emotional experiences. By recognizing the role of interoception in our emotional lives, we can develop a deeper understanding of our emotions and how they are influenced by our body's internal state.
Summary Note: How Emotions Are Made: Emotion Concepts and Cultural Construction
The main theme explored in this main idea is how emotion concepts are culturally constructed beliefs about emotions. Our reality and understanding of emotions are shaped by the concepts we use, which are influenced by culture. Just like how objects are infused with meaning and function through social agreement, emotion concepts are also formed by cultural convention.
An example of this cultural influence on emotion concepts is the Tahitian language, where there is no specific word for "sadness." Instead, Tahitians use a word that describes "the kind of fatigue associated with the flu." This illustrates how our concepts and understanding of emotions are shaped by cultural perspectives and experiences.
Another example is the history of smiling. Nowadays, we associate smiling with happiness, but the author points out that ancient Greeks and Romans had no word for "smile." The concept of smiling as an expression of happiness only came into prominence in the eighteenth century when wider access to dentistry became possible. This highlights how cultural changes and developments can shape our perception and interpretation of emotions.
This idea challenges the notion of universal emotions and emphasizes the importance of cultural context in shaping our understanding of emotions. It suggests that emotion concepts are not inherent or fixed, but rather constructed and influenced by cultural beliefs, norms, and values. Our emotions are not solely determined by biology, but are also shaped by our cultural upbringing and environment.
Understanding the cultural construction of emotion concepts can have implications in various areas, such as psychology, anthropology, and cross-cultural communication. It emphasizes the need to consider cultural context when studying emotions and highlights the dynamic and evolving nature of emotions in different cultural settings.
Summary Note: We Learn Culturally Laden Emotion Concepts from Birth, But We Have the Power to Learn More
Emotion concepts are not universal, but rather learned from birth through our interactions with parents and society. Babies have feelings, which are tied to the concept of affects, but emotion concepts are taught and often explicitly linked to specific situations or events. Our brains have the capacity to combine new experiences with previous ones, allowing us to learn new concepts and reshape old ones, which is essential for emotion regulation.
Language and culture play a significant role in shaping our emotion concepts. For example, different cultures may have distinct ways of describing and interpreting emotions. Emotion concepts are culturally constructed beliefs about emotions, and they vary across different societies and languages. This is evident in the example of the Tahitian language, which lacks a specific word for sadness and instead describes it as "the kind of fatigue associated with the flu." Similarly, the meaning and function of objects or gestures, such as smiling, can also be culturally influenced and may change over time.
However, our capacity to learn emotion concepts is not limited to what we are taught from birth. With practice and exposure to new experiences, we can expand our emotional vocabulary and develop a more nuanced understanding of emotions. For instance, the author mentions how English speakers adopted the German word "Schadenfreude" to describe the pleasure felt at someone else's misfortune, as there was no equivalent word in English. By being exposed to and using new emotional expressions, we can become more attuned to these emotions in our own experiences.
Furthermore, as we gain more life experiences, we can better differentiate between different emotions and regulate them more effectively. Emotions are constructed from our experiences, and investing in cultivating new experiences can shape our emotional responses in the future. For instance, as adults, we can distinguish between distress and discomfort more accurately, knowing that temporary physical pain may not be as terrifying as it once seemed.
Book details
- Print length: 448 pages
- Genre: Psychology, Science, Nonfiction
What are the chapters in How Emotions Are Made?
Chapter 1. The Search for Emotion's "Fingerprints"
Chapter 2. Emotions Are Constructed
Chapter 3. The Myth of Universal Emotions
Chapter 4. The Origin of Feeling
Chapter 5. Concepts, Goals, and Words
Chapter 6. How the Brain Makes Emotions
Chapter 7. Emotions as Social Reality
Chapter 8. A New View of Human Nature
Chapter 9. Mastering Your Emotions
Chapter 10. Emotion and Illness
Chapter 11. Emotion and the Law
Chapter 12. Is a Growling Dog Angry?
Chapter 13. From Brain to Mind: The New Frontier
What is a good quote from How Emotions Are Made
Top Quote: "People feel depressed when they fail to live up to their own ideals, but when they fall short of a standard set by others, they feel anxious.” (Meaning) - How Emotions Are Made Quotes, Lisa Feldman Barrett, PhD
What do critics say?
Here's what one of the prominent reviewers had to say about the book: “I have never seen a book so devoted to understanding the nature of emotions . . . the book is down-to-earth and a delight to read. With a high level of knowledge and articulate style, Barrett delivers a prime example of modern prose in digestible chunks.” — Seattle Book Review, five stars
* The editor of this summary review made every effort to maintain information accuracy, including any published quotes, chapters, or takeaways. If you're interested in furthering your personal development, I invite you to check out my list of favorite personal development books page. On this page, you'll find a curated list of books that have personally impacted my life, each with a summary and key lessons.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
