The Neurobiology and Physiology of Emotions: A Developmental Perspective
Title
The Neurobiology and Physiology of Emotions: A Developmental Perspective
Author
Kahle, Sarah S.
Hastings, Paul D.
Research Area
Cognition and Emotions
Topic
Emotional Development
Abstract
This essay discusses the physiological and neural activity associated with emotion processes, with a focus on the development of this activity in children. We review some conceptual issues about the distinctions between the components of emotion, including the physiology associated with emotions themselves, attempts to regulate emotions, and trait or state patterns of responding. Foundational work examining autonomic nervous system activity is summarized, and we highlight recent work that attempts to investigate emotion processes in multiple systems. We then suggest that two fruitful avenues of future research include the examination of the neurobiology and physiology of social emotions, and further investigation into the temporal dynamics of emotion processes.