Discover the body map of emotions

A team of Finnish scientists has managed to generate a body map showing human emotions.

These Aalto University researchers found that each emotion generates concrete responses in specific body areas, these reactions being independent of the cultural substrate of the subject.

The body map of human emotions

Consequently, the Finnish researchers 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, empowering us to defend our integrity or to enjoy the good moments.

According Lauri Nummenmaa, professor of neuroscience and one of the prominent members of the team that conducted the research, Emotions modulate not only the mental health of the subject, but also the body state of the same.

"Thus, emotions prepare us to be able to respond almost instinctively to dangers. It also enables us to react in other contexts, such as the enjoyment of social interactions ", he adds.

Emotions map: happiness and love

To carry out the research, a total of 5 experiments were carried out in which 700 subjects had to locate in which part of the body felt each of the basic emotions: anger, disgust, fear, sadness or happiness, as well as other more complex emotions, such as the anxiety, the depression, pride, envy or shame.

The study participants colored in a mannequin the areas that were activated to a greater or lesser degree as they heard certain words that were associated with each of the emotions. Red designated the 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 the love and joy.

In the same way, it can be seen as, roughly, 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 studying emotions. It is possible that this tool could, in the future, offer a list of biological signs of certain emotional disorders ", the researchers affirm.

Parallel to the test that sought to evoke emotions from words, four other experiments were also carried out through images, photographs, stories and short films that were intended to convey the same to the participants emotions.

Universal emotions? The study points to "yes"

In order to make sure that the body map of emotions was independent of the cultural substrate or linguistic group when that the subjects were part of, the study was repeated with three different ethnic and cultural groups: Finnish, Swedish 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.

Bibliographic references:

• Original study: Lauri Nummenmaaa, Enrico Glereana, Riitta Harib, and Jari K. Hietanend (2013)