Emotion Theories Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Emotion Theories - Essay Example Over the years of research, several theories regarding how the neuroanatomy of emotion functions scientifically extend from right hemisphere hypothesis, which suggests that same neural systems causes all emotions, specifically with the right hemisphere of the brain as responsible in processing emotions (Wager, Phan & Liberzon, et al., 1998; Killgore and Yurgelun-Todd, 2007). Regardless of the strong data supporting the major role for the right hemisphere on emotions, a number of substantial evidence from research revealed a new pattern of brain asymmetry. The second theory such as the Valence Model proposes a combination of some brain systems (Elfenbein, Mandal, Ambady, et al., 2004). According to the theorists supporting this hypothesis, the right hemisphere of the brain processes negative emotions, while the left hemisphere, for positive emotions (Killgore and Yurgelun-Todd, 2007). The purpose of this paper is to discuss and compare the two different theories of brain and emo tion and establish evidence from empirical research in favor of the alternative Valence hypothesis. The pioneering theory about brain and emotion states that the left hemisphere is related with cognitive processes, whereas the right hemisphere is engaged with the interpre... Correspondingly, two years after, Babinsky (1914) confirmed that patients with injury on the right hemisphere became manic or emotionally indifferent (as cited on Dameree, Everhart & Youngstorm, et al., 2005). The two early studies directed to the development of the "right hemisphere hypothesis", which asserts the most important role for the right hemisphere in the processing of all human emotions. Many studies have provided support for this hypothesis. For example, a recent research conducted on recognition of emotion in facial expression among thirty seven brain-damaged subjects (Adolphs, Damasio and Tranel, et al., 1996) noted significant results. First, that participants with lesions on the left hemisphere showed no malfunction in the facial expressions of emotion, whereas, subjects with damage on the right hemisphere displayed such impairment. Further, the research suggests that impairment of the processing of facial expressions of emotion is attributed to lesions of two discrete regions in the right neocortex such as the right inferior parietal cortex and the anterior infracalcarine cortex. Intimately associated with this research is the hypothesis that people with damage to the left hemisphere produces intellectual disorders. Damage to the right hemisphere however produces affective disorders and failure to respond to humor (Wager, Phan & Liberzon, et al., 1998). Sackiem, Gur and Saucy (1978), confirmed that facial expressions are more intensely expressed in the left side of the face, suggesting a greater involvement of the right hemisphere in the production of emotional displays. Research in schizophrenia also noted that these particular patients who are well