How Emotions Are Made

The Secret Life of the Brain

by Lisa Feldman Barrett

4.6(3,984 ratings)

14 min read

Brief overview

This book unravels the idea that emotions are not simply built-in reactions but dynamic experiences shaped by our brains. By focusing on the roles of prediction, body budgeting, and cultural concepts, it invites readers to see how we actively construct our feelings in everyday life. Expect to learn why we often feel emotions are triggered, even though our minds play a surprisingly large part in creating them.

Introduction

Think about the last time you felt a rush of excitement or a wave of sadness. It may have seemed to come from nowhere, like a surprise guest knocking on your door. But there’s more to the story. Behind the scenes, your brain was making predictions and shaping that experience. In this view, emotions are not just pre-packaged reactions; they’re constructed by our minds in response to our body and the world around us.

In these pages, we’ll explore a fresh perspective on how emotions come to life. Rather than being hardwired states that appear whenever certain triggers happen, they emerge from a conversation between our bodily sensations, our concepts, and the social world. You’ll see how each emotional experience is a unique event, influenced by our personal history and cultural background.

This new approach builds on ideas in neuroscience about how our brains function as prediction engines. By reading on, you’ll gain insights into how to reshape your emotional landscape. You’ll learn practical insights for everyday life: how a little shift in mindset can change your anger into motivation, or your anxiety into excitement.

What feels automatic might be more of a collaboration between your brain and your environment.

Rethinking Emotions

Many of us are taught that emotions are universally recognized and shared, each with its own fingerprint in the body or the face. That’s why we often say things like “I just knew he was angry.” But a closer look at countless studies shows that variation is the norm. The same emotion label, like “anger,” can come with a range of facial movements or bodily changes, all shaped by context.

It’s tempting to believe that our senses directly reveal an emotional truth about ourselves or others. Yet research finds that we infer and guess, influenced by personal expectations, cultural standards, and our own past experiences. We see what we predict, not simply what goes on in front of our eyes. This means we’re more active participants in our emotional lives than we might think.

Understanding emotion through this lens frees us from old assumptions about “fixed” expressions or distinct physical signatures. Instead, each instance of an emotion is built on a combination of sensations, concepts, and social cues. And that genuinely opens doors: if emotions are built, then they can also be reshaped.

Your brain sculpts your experiences, so detecting anger or happiness is a creative act—not just reading signals.

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What is How Emotions Are Made about?

In "How Emotions Are Made: The Secret Life of the Brain," Lisa Feldman Barrett offers a groundbreaking perspective on the origin and nature of emotions. Barrett challenges the conventional belief that emotions are hardwired responses to specific stimuli. Instead, she introduces the theory of constructed emotion, which posits that emotions are unique constructs shaped by our brain's predictive processes, cultural influences, and personal experiences.

This book delves deep into the intricate relationship between the brain's predictive mechanisms and our emotional experiences, explaining how concepts and language play a critical role in that process. Barrett's research debunks the myth of universal emotions, highlighting instead the individual and cultural variability that characterizes our emotional life. It's an eye-opener for anyone curious about the inner workings of their minds and the societal factors that mold our feelings.

"How Emotions Are Made" not only unveils the science behind emotional experiences but also offers practical insights for reframing emotions in daily life. By understanding the constructed nature of emotions, readers are empowered to reinterpret their feelings, cultivate emotional intelligence, and foster well-being. This paradigm-shifting book expands our understanding of the mind and has profound implications for personal development and mental health.

Review of How Emotions Are Made

"How Emotions Are Made" is a fascinating exploration of one of the most complex aspects of human nature—our emotions. Lisa Feldman Barrett's book stands apart with its revolutionary claim that emotions are constructed by the brain rather than being predefined reactions. Through extensive research, Barrett reveals that emotions are shaped by a fine balance of prediction, interoception, and cultural context, rendering each emotional experience unique.

One of the book's strengths is its impeccable research grounded in cognitive neuroscience, offering readers a meticulous breakdown of how emotions are not only perceived but actively created by our minds. Barrett's theory of constructed emotion challenges age-old beliefs by illustrating how our brains predictively generate emotional experiences based on personal history and cultural norms. The inclusion of practical approaches makes it applicable for real-life emotional management, urging readers to expand their emotional vocabulary for greater emotional clarity.

The writing is both engaging and highly accessible, making complex scientific concepts understandable to a broad audience. The book resonates with anyone interested in psychology or self-development, particularly those who seek to leverage a better understanding of their emotions for personal growth. Barrett's fresh insights are a game-changer, as they not only illuminate how emotions are formed but also equip readers with tools to construct positive emotional experiences. A must-read for anyone fascinated by the mind and its mysteries.

In conclusion, Lisa Feldman Barrett's "How Emotions Are Made" comes highly recommended for its compelling thesis and practical value in reshaping our emotional landscape, signalizing a significant shift in how we understand the mind's emotional repertoire.

Who should read How Emotions Are Made?

Psychology enthusiasts interested in the latest research on emotions.
Individuals seeking to improve emotional intelligence and self-awareness.
Professionals in mental health fields looking for innovative perspectives.
Educators seeking to incorporate new understandings of emotions in teaching.
Cultural researchers exploring the link between emotion and culture.

About the author

Lisa Feldman Barrett is a University Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Northeastern University, with appointments at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital. She is a leading expert in psychology and neuroscience, known for her revolutionary research on emotion in the brain. Dr. Barrett has published over 275 peer-reviewed papers and received numerous awards, including the NIH Director’s Pioneer Award, the APS Mentor Award for Lifetime Achievement, and the APA Distinguished Scientific Contribution Award. She is also the author of "Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain" and has written extensively for popular press outlets such as The New York Times and Scientific American.