Biological Foundations of Emotion

By: Robert Plutchik and Henry Kellerman

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Synopsis: Biological Foundations of Emotion is a detailed account of the relations between brain structure, functions, and emotions based on the results of experimental work and theoretical modeling. A range of issues are examined, such as whether there are structures, circuits, or biochemical events in the brain that control emotional expressions or experience; the effects of lesions and electrical stimulation on emotions; and the role of genetics in the expression of emotion. Comprised of 16 chapters, this volume begins with a presentation of general models of brain functioning. The first chapter deals with the neural substrate for emotion and cites evidence showing that the conventional concept of a limbic system underlying all emotions is not adequate. The discussion then turns to ethological and evolutionary factors of emotion, with emphasis on neuroendocrine patterns of emotional response; ictal symptoms relating to the nature of affects and their cerebral substrate; the anatomy of emotions; and neural systems involved in emotion in primates. Subsequent chapters present different but overlapping brain models of aggression and examine the role of biochemistry in understanding emotions. This book will be of interest to biologists and psychologists.