The role of metacognitive feelings in motivation

Behav Brain Sci. 2025 Jan 31:48:e40. doi: 10.1017/S0140525X24000359.

Abstract

Metacognitive feelings are an integral part of mental computational processes and influence the outcome of computations. We review supporting evidence on affect inherent in perceptual processes, fluency in study decisions, metacognitive feelings in aha-experiences and intuition, and affect in early phases of interest development. These findings connect to recent theories that combine metacognitive feelings with computational models.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Affect / physiology
  • Decision Making / physiology
  • Emotions* / physiology
  • Humans
  • Intuition / physiology
  • Metacognition* / physiology
  • Motivation* / physiology