Neuroscience findings are consistent with appraisal theories of emotion; but does the brain "respect" constructionism?

Behav Brain Sci. 2012 Jun;35(3):163-4. doi: 10.1017/S0140525X11001750.

Abstract

I reject Lindquist et al.'s implicit claim that all emotion theories other than constructionist ones subscribe to a "brain locationist" approach. The neural mechanisms underlying relevance detection, reward, attention, conceptualization, or language use are consistent with many theories of emotion, in particular componential appraisal theories. I also question the authors' claim that the meta-analysis they report provides support for the specific assumptions of constructionist theories.

Publication types

  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Brain / diagnostic imaging*
  • Brain / physiology*
  • Emotions / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Neuroimaging*
  • Radiography