Discover the body map of emotions

Discover the human body topography of emotions thanks to research by Nummenmaa.

A team of Finnish scientists has succeeded in generating a body map showing human emotions. body map showing human emotions.

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

The body map of human emotions

Consequently, the Finnish researchers came to the conclusion that this map of emotions suggests that human emotional responses are biologically based and universal..

The study explains that the human body's emotional reactions are Biological mechanisms that enable us to respond to a changing context, enabling us to defend our integrity or to enjoy good times.

According to Lauri Nummenmaaa professor of neuroscience and one of the leading members of the research team, emotions modulate not only the subject's mental health, but also the subject's bodily state.

"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.

Emotion map: happiness and love

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

Study participants colored on a mannequin the areas that were activated to a greater or lesser degree as they listened to certain words associated with each of the emotions. Red designated the areas with greater activity, while blue did the same with the areas of lesser influence.

It can be seen in the image that the two emotions that cause the most intense bodily response are love and joy.

Similarly, it can be seen how, broadly speaking, all the basic emotions are located in the same place, all the basic emotions are located in the upper part of the trunk.where the vital organs are located, and most prominently in the head.

"Taking a look at the topography of bodily emotions will allow us to devise a tool for the study of emotions. It is possible that this tool could, in the future, provide an account of biological signs of certain emotional disorders," say the researchers.

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

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 to which the subjects belonged, the study was repeated with three different ethnic and cultural groups: Finns, Swedes and Taiwanese.

The researchers agreed that the results showed commonalities beyond the cultural background of the participants: it appears, therefore, that the bodily reaction to emotions is universal.

Bibliographic references:

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