How emotions are made with Lisa Feldman Barrett (Pt 2)
Dec 9, 2020
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Neuroscientist Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett challenges conventional views on emotions, highlighting their contextual nature and individualistic responses. The podcast explores the brain's adaptive hardwired reactions, the importance of recognizing emotions for decision-making, and the impact of self-awareness on communication and relationships.
Emotions are context-dependent and constructed by the brain to make sense of internal body responses and external stimuli, challenging traditional views on emotions.
The brain's predictive nature enables it to efficiently control actions by making rapid motor predictions, emphasizing adaptability and contextual sensitivity in processing information.
Deep dives
The Implications of Constructed Emotions Theory on Emotion Intelligence and Leadership
Lisa Feldman Barrett's theory on constructed emotions challenges traditional views on healthy vs. unhealthy emotions. She asserts that emotions are context-dependent and vary based on individual interpretations and cultural norms. Emotions are constructed by the brain to make sense of internal body responses and external stimuli. Barrett emphasizes the importance of understanding the dynamic nature of emotions in different contexts.
The Flexibility of Brain Predictions and Responses
Barrett explains that even reflex actions are not hardwired and are subject to variability based on contextual factors. The brain's predictive nature allows it to efficiently control actions by making rapid motor predictions. The brain constantly updates its predictions based on sensory information and internal body signals, shaping emotional responses and behavioral reactions. Animals exhibit variable responses to threats based on context, highlighting the brain's adaptability and contextual sensitivity in predicting and processing information.
Emotional Awareness and Control in Leadership
Barrett discusses the role of emotional self-awareness in leadership, stressing that all emotions convey valuable information. Differentiating between healthy and unhealthy expressions of emotions relies on understanding and processing emotions effectively. Emotional awareness helps individuals recognize their impact on others and cultivate supportive interactions. Barrett suggests using emotions as guides in decision-making processes, where stopping to be curious and gather more information can lead to more informed and strategic responses.
Body Budgeting and Metabolic Efficiency in Leadership
Barrett introduces the concept of body budgeting, emphasizing the brain's role in efficiently managing metabolic resources. Supporting employees' body budgets through work-life balance and stress management contributes to increased productivity. Effective leadership involves making deposits into others' body budgets by fostering supportive environments and providing necessary resources. Understanding the metabolic costs of stress and emotions can enhance leadership strategies for optimizing team performance and well-being.
This episode is part two of a two part conversation that Jean and Scott had with neuroscientist, Dr Lisa Feldman Barrett. University Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Northeastern University, and Chief Science Officer for the Center for Law, Brain and Behaviour at Harvard, Lisa Feldman Barrett is profoundly changing our understanding of the brain and in particular, our emotions.
In this episode, co-hosts Jean and Scott discuss with Dr Barrett the implications of her revolutionary theory of constructed emotions on emotional intelligence and leadership.
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