How Emotions Are Made

I first heard of Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett's work in a webinar by Dr. Susan Friedman.

Traditionally, we think emotions are triggered, where certain parts of the brain get activated. Apparently this is a myth! According to the latest science, emotions are constructed. In other words, emotions (or emotional behaviors/signifiers) are neither universal nor innate. Neither are emoji. Emotions/emotional behaviors/emotional language are all cultural constructs.

Emotions are also not to be confused with affect (or affective state).

AFFECT (Arousal- Valence)

*The dog behavior/body language drawings are my own interpretation.

I wonder if AFFECT is respondent behavior and everything that follows is OPERANT?

This is a wonderful summary of Dr. Lisa Feldman-Barret's book. Everybody needs to watch this video:

Please let me know what you think!