A team of Finnish scientists has managed to generate a body map showing human emotions
These researchers from Aalto University discovered that each emotion generates specific responses in specific body areas, these reactions being independent of the subject’s cultural substrate.
The Finnish researchers therefore concluded that This map of emotions suggests that human emotional responses are biologically based and universal
The study explains that the emotional reactions of the human body are biological mechanisms that enable us to respond to a changing context, enabling us to defend our integrity or to enjoy good times.
According to Lauri Nummenmaa professor of neuroscience and one of the prominent members of the team that carried out the research, emotions modulate not only the mental health of the subject, but also the physical state of the subject.
“Thus, emotions prepare us to respond almost instinctively to dangers. Likewise, they enable us to react in other contexts, such as in the case of enjoying social interactions,” he adds.
Map of emotions: happiness and love
To carry out the research, a total of 5 experiments were carried out in which 700 subjects had to locate where in the body they felt each of the basic emotions: anger, disgust, fear, sadness or happiness, as well as other more complex emotions. , such as anxiety, depression, pride, envy or shame.
The study participants colored on a mannequin the areas that were activated to a greater or lesser degree as they listened to certain words that were associated with each of the emotions. Red designated areas with greater activity, while blue did the same with areas of less influence.
It can be seen in the image that the two emotions that cause a more intense bodily response are love and joy.
In the same way, it can be seen how, broadly speaking, all basic emotions are located in the upper part of the trunk where the vital organs are located, and very prominently in the head.
“Taking a look at the topography of bodily emotions will allow us to devise a tool for the study of emotions. It is possible that this tool could, in the future, offer a list of biological signs of certain emotional disorders,” say the researchers.
Parallel to the test that sought to evoke emotions through words, four other experiments were also carried out using images, photographs, stories and short films that sought to convey the same emotions to the participants.
Universal emotions? The study points to “yes”
In order to ensure that the body map of emotions was independent of the cultural substrate or linguistic group to which the subjects were part, the study was repeated with three different ethnic and cultural groups: Finns, Swedes and Taiwanese.
The researchers agreed that The results showed coincidences beyond the cultural origin of the participants: it seems, therefore, that the bodily reaction to emotions is universal
