You Aren't at the Mercy of Your Emotions -- Your Brain Creates Them

Presenter

• Lisa Feldman Barrett

Event

• TED@IBM
• December 2017

Key Questions Addressed

• Can you look at someone's face and know what they're feeling?
• Does everyone experience emotions the same way?
• What are emotions anyway?

Research Overview

• Lisa Feldman Barrett has conducted research over 25 years.
• Methods used:
  • Mapping facial expressions.
  • Brain scanning studies.
  • Analysis of hundreds of physiological studies.

Main Concepts

Nature of Emotions

• Emotions are not universally experienced in the same way.
• Emotions are constructed by our brains.

Control Over Emotions

• We have more control over our emotions than traditionally believed.
• Emotions are not automatic responses.

Implications

• Understanding the construction of emotions can empower individuals.
• Potential to improve personal growth and emotional management.

Related Topics

• Science
• Personal Growth
• Brain
• Humanity
• Society
• Emotions

Additional Resources

• TED offers a variety of related content including TED Talks, playlists, TED Ed, TEDx Talks, and podcasts.