Do you ever find yourself in situations where you want to scream out of frustration or anger? Well, there is a reason why you manage to keep cool on those tough days
Researchers at Dartmouth have led a study that looks into how the brain regulates emotions. Published in Nature Neuroscience, this study shows the intricate mechanisms behind our emotional responses and how we manage them.
Lead author Ke Bo, a postdoctoral researcher at Dartmouth’s Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Lab, explains the excitement of uncovering brain regions solely dedicated to regulating emotions.
These findings offer new insight into the inner workings of our minds and could change clinical applications for mental health treatments. This study suggests targeting specific brain regions for stimulation to enhance regulations.
Researchers used computational methods to analyse participants’ brain activity exposed to emotionally charged images. They discovered distinct areas responsible for emotion regulation, shedding light on how we navigate and cope with negative experiences.
The study shows the role of the anterior prefrontal cortex and other higher-level cortical regions in emotion regulation. These brain regions, involved in abstract thinking and long-term planning, play a vital role in reframing our perceptions of challenging situations.
The study also explores the influence of neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and cannabin