Cognitive neuroscience reveals how a simple negative impression can trigger a chain reaction in the brain, culminating in a generalized atmosphere of negativity. This complex process involves several brain areas and neurotransmitters, impacting thoughts, behaviors and even health.
1. Amygdala: The amygdala, center of emotions, is activated by negative stimuli, such as a bad impression. This activation triggers an alert, preparing the body to face the perceived threat.
2. Prefrontal Cortex : The prefrontal cortex, responsible for rational thinking, tries to assess the situation and regulate the emotional response. However, if the negative impression is intense, the amygdala can dominate the prefrontal cortex, making it difficult to think clearly and rationally.
3. Hippocampus: The hippocampus, responsible for memory, stores the negative experience and associates it with similar events, creating a negative bias in the interpretation of new information.
4. Neurotransmitters: Activation of the amygdala releases cortisol (stress hormone) and norepinephrine (alert neurotransmitter), preparing the body for action. At the same time, the production of serotonin (a feel-good neurotransmitter) can decrease, contributing to feelings of malaise and negativity.
5. Neural Circuits: Repetition of negative experiences strengthens the neural connections associated with these emotions, forming brain circuits that perpetuate negativity.
Consequences of the Generalized Negative Atmosphere:
- Distorted Thinking: Negativity can lead to confirmation bias, interpreting new information in a negative way, reinforcing negative beliefs and expectations.
- Negative Behavior: A negative atmosphere can influence behavior, resulting in impulsive, aggressive or socially isolating actions.
- Impact on Health: Chronic stress caused by negativity can harm physical and mental health, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, depression and anxiety.
Strategies for Dealing with Negativity:
- Awareness: Recognizing negative patterns of thinking and behavior is the first step towards change.
- Reinterpretation: Seek to reinterpret the situation in a more positive way, finding alternatives and solutions.
- Focus on the Present: Focusing on the present moment, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
- Relaxation Practices: Techniques such as meditation, yoga and deep breathing can help reduce stress and promote well-being.
- Social Support: Seeking support from friends, family, or mental health professionals can be crucial to overcoming negativity.
By understanding how cognitive neuroscience explains the relationship between a bad impression and the general negative atmosphere, we can develop tools to deal with these emotions and build a more positive and resilient mindset.
Dr. Fabiano de Abreu Agrela Rodrigues MRSB holds a post-PhD in Neuroscience and is an elected member of Sigma Xi – The Scientific Research Honor Society (more than 200 members of Sigma Xi have received the Nobel Prize), as well as being a member of the Society for Neuroscience in the United States, the Royal Society of Biology and The Royal Society of Medicine in the United Kingdom, the European Society of Human Genetics in Vienna, Austria, and the APA – American Philosophical Association in the United States. He holds a Master’s degree in Psychology and a Bachelor’s degree in History and Biology. He is also a Technologist in Anthropology and Philosophy, with several national and international degrees in Neuroscience and Neuropsychology. Dr. Fabiano is a member of prestigious high IQ societies, including Mensa International, Intertel, ISPE High IQ Society, Triple Nine Society, ISI-Society, and HELLIQ Society High IQ. He is the author of more than 300 scientific studies and 30 books. He is currently a visiting professor at PUCRS in Brazil, UNIFRANZ in Bolivia and Santander in Mexico. He also serves as Director of CPAH – Centro de Pesquisa e Análises Heráclito and is the creator of the GIP project, which estimates IQ through the analysis of genetic intelligence. Dr. Fabiano is also a registered journalist, having his name included in the book of records for achieving four records, one of which is for being the greatest creator of characters in the history of the press.