Lecture Notes: Brain and Emotions

Overview of Brain Orientation

• Perspective: Looking from top-down into the brain
• Orientation: Front and back of the brain defined, with eyes at the front

Cerebral Cortex and Emotions

• Cerebral Cortex: Area of the brain involved in emotions
• Division by Hemispheres:
  • Left Hemisphere: Associated with positive emotions
  • Right Hemisphere: Associated with negative emotions

Hemispheric Activity and Emotions

• Research Study:
  • Participants watched films (pleasure and disgust)
  • Positive Films: Puppies, gorilla bathing - increased activity in the left hemisphere
  • Negative Films: Shock films - increased activity in the right hemisphere
  • EEG Recordings: Used to measure brain's electrical activity

Social Interaction Study

• Study on 4-year-olds:
  • Observed social (sociable) vs. isolative behaviors
  • Sociable Kids: Increased activity in left hemisphere
  • Isolative Kids: Increased activity in right hemisphere
• Additional Findings:
  • Active left hemisphere: Interested, joyful, enthusiastic
  • Active right hemisphere: Timid, fearful, avoidant, depressed

Functional Divisions of Cerebral Cortex

• Prefrontal Cortex:
  • Location: Area at the front, behind the forehead
  • Functions: High-order functions like language, problem-solving
  • Development: Undergoes significant growth post-birth

Significance of Prefrontal Cortex

• Role in Social Behavior:
  • Helps in decision-making and behavior management
  • Differentiating behavior in social situations (e.g., job interview vs. sporting event)
• Relation to Amygdala:
  • Amygdala causes fear, anxiety, anger
  • Prefrontal cortex helps in restraining primal reactions

Case Study: Phineas Gage

• Background: Railroad worker in 1848
• Accident: Iron rod damaged prefrontal cortex
• Behavioral Changes:
  • Pre-accident: Hardworking, well-liked
  • Post-accident: Rude, inappropriate, loss of behavior control

Conclusion

• Cerebral Cortex Functionality: Essential in emotional regulation and human behavior
• Prefrontal Cortex: Key area contributing to what makes humans unique in cognitive and social functions