Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett, a leading psychologist and neuroscientist, dives into her revolutionary theories on emotions. She reveals that emotions are not instinctual but constructed by the brain based on past experiences and context. The conversation emphasizes the power of emotional granularity, showing how a richer emotional vocabulary can enhance mental health. Dr. Barrett also discusses the interplay between perception and memory, and how our experiences shape our sense of agency and responsibility. Discover how redefining emotions can empower personal growth!
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insights INSIGHT
Brain Constructs Emotions
Emotions are not pre-wired, fixed reactions triggered automatically.
The brain constructs emotions using general mechanisms, predicting rather than merely reacting.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Flu Mistaken for Attraction
Lisa misinterpreted flu symptoms as attraction on a coffee date.
Her brain made sense of bodily signals in context, showing how emotions are constructed.
insights INSIGHT
Affect versus Emotion
Affect is the brain's summarized feeling of bodily states, vague and continuous.
Emotions are constructed meanings from these bodily sensations combined with contextual information.
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In 'Matter and Consciousness,' Paul Churchland provides a detailed exploration of the mind-body problem, arguing for a materialist perspective. He discusses various philosophical positions, including dualism, and critiques them from a materialist standpoint. The book is a foundational text in contemporary philosophy of mind.
How Emotions Are Made
The Secret Life of the Brain
Lisa Feldman Barrett
In this book, Lisa Feldman Barrett presents a new neuroscientific explanation of emotions, overturning the widely held belief that emotions are automatic, universal, and hardwired in different brain regions. Instead, she argues that emotions are constructed in the moment through a unique interplay of brain, body, and culture. Barrett's theory, known as the 'Theory of Constructed Emotions,' suggests that emotions are highly individualized and vary by culture. The book explores how this new understanding has significant implications for fields such as psychology, medicine, law, parenting, and national security. Barrett uses clear, readable prose and practical examples to make her complex theories accessible to a broad audience.
Seven and a Half Lessons about the Brain
Lisa Feldman Barrett
In this book, Lisa Feldman Barrett demystifies the brain through seven short essays and a brief story on its evolution. She explains where brains came from, their structure, and how they function in tandem with other brains. The book dispels myths such as the 'lizard brain' and the battle between thoughts and emotions or nature and nurture. Barrett highlights the brain's primary role in controlling the body, discusses brain development, and emphasizes the social and cultural aspects of cognition and consciousness.
Dr Lisa Feldman Barrett, who is in the top one percent of most cited scientists in the world for her revolutionary research in psychology and neuroscience. She is a Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Northeastern University, and also holds appointments at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, where she is Chief Science Officer for the Center for Law, Brain & Behavior.
In addition to the books Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain and How Emotions are Made, Dr. Barrett has published over 260 peer-reviewed, scientific papers appearing in Science, Nature Neuroscience, and other top journals in psychology and cognitive neuroscience, as well as six academic volumes. She has also given a popular TED talk with over 6.5 million views.
From this conversation, you'll learn:
— Dr Barrett's groundbreaking theory of emotions and its implications for mental health and wellbeing
— How emotional "granularity" can enhance your quality of life
— Why everything we see is a "concept" and why this matters
— Dr Barrett's thoughts on free will and personal responsibility.
And more.
You can learn more about Dr Barrett's work by going to: www.lisafeldmanbarrett.com
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Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett is a psychologist, neuroscientist, professor, bestselling author, and one of the most cited scientists in the world. She received a National Institutes of Health Director’s Pioneer Award for her revolutionary research on emotion in the brain. These highly competitive, multimillion dollar awards are given to scientists of exceptional creativity who are expected to transform biomedical and behavioral research. She also received a Guggenheim Fellowship in 2019, the APS Mentor Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2018, and the APA Distinguished Scientific Contribution Award in Psychology in 2021.
Among her many accomplishments, Dr. Barrett has testified before Congress, presented her research to the FBI, consulted to the National Cancer Institute, appeared on Through The Wormhole with Morgan Freeman and The Today Show with Maria Shriver, and been a featured guest on public television and podcast and radio programs worldwide. She is also an elected fellow of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences and the Royal Society of Canada.
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Interview Links:
— Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain - Lisa Feldman Barrett: https://amzn.to/3CWM1VQ
— How Emotions are Made - Lisa Feldman Barrett: https://amzn.to/3Rx1BeT
— Dr Barrett’s website: www.lisafeldmanbarrett.com
— Matter and Consciousness - Dr Iain McGilchrist: https://bit.ly/3RGSQz0
3 Books Dr Porges Recommends Every Therapist Should Read:
— Between us by Batja Mesquita - https://amzn.to/3FdYkxT
— The End of Trauma by George Bonanno - https://amzn.to/3AW1fbL
— How Emotions are Made by Lisa Feldman Barrett - https://amzn.to/3GVdxFl
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