Understanding How Our Brain Differentiates Between Good and Bad
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Chapter 1: The Subjectivity of Experience
When two people watch the same movie, their interpretations and the reasons behind those interpretations can vastly differ. This phenomenon extends to real-life experiences as well. For instance, one of my siblings recently came to understand that sharing the same parents doesn't equate to having identical childhoods. Both of our upbringings were wonderful, yet they were distinct.
A significant factor contributing to these differences lies in how we categorize our experiences as ‘positive’ or ‘negative.’ The mechanisms by which our brains make these classifications have puzzled neuroscientists for years. Fortunately, advancements in research have shed some light on this matter.
Valence Assignment: The Connection Between Emotion and Memory
Our emotional responses to experiences shape our subjective interpretations. While the intricacies of this process have long eluded experts, one critical insight has emerged: its primary purpose is survival.
The process of linking a memory with either a “good” or “bad” emotion is referred to as valence assignment. This mechanism guides our future behaviors—labeling an event as “positive” or “negative” influences whether we choose to engage with it again.
Despite understanding the significance of this ability, the cellular mechanics behind it remain a mystery. However, Kay Tye, a prominent researcher at Salk Institute, has made significant strides towards uncovering this mystery.
Tye’s research revealed that the brain operates through two distinct pathways, akin to two railroad tracks; one pathway leads to positive associations while the other directs towards negative ones. Although scientists were aware of the existence and endpoints of these pathways, the critical factor that determines which pathway is activated was unknown.
Recent Discoveries in Neuroscience
On July 20, 2022, Tye and her team published their findings in Nature, highlighting a molecule that connects emotions to memories in mice brains. By utilizing gene editing, they selectively eliminated the gene for a signaling molecule called neurotensin from the brain cells of these mice. This alteration rendered the mice incapable of associating positive emotions with their memories.
Interestingly, while the absence of neurotensin hindered positive associations, it seemingly enhanced the mice’s ability to form negative associations, which persisted until neurotensin levels were normalized. Conversely, when neurotensin levels were increased, the mice demonstrated improved reward learning and reduced negative associations.
From an evolutionary perspective, this suggests that the brain's natural inclination is to prioritize fear responses to enhance survival. The evolution of neurotensin, however, introduced the capacity for positive learning, expanding our understanding of safety and encouraging exploration—be it in dietary choices or new environments.
Tye expressed her excitement about the findings, stating, “We’ve essentially unraveled the core biological process that allows us to remember if something is good or bad. The idea that it can be distilled down to a single molecule is truly thrilling.” She further noted that we could potentially manipulate this mechanism to enhance positive or negative learning.
While the implications of this discovery are fascinating, ethical considerations arise when contemplating genetic manipulation to increase positive emotional associations. After all, experiencing both good and bad is essential for growth and understanding.
Implications for Mental Health
Professor Tye's research could also provide insights into mental health issues, particularly anxiety and depression, which often skew our emotional associations negatively. Understanding how neurotensin operates may help clarify the experiences of those who disproportionately link negative emotions to their memories.
For now, we cannot indefinitely enhance our neurotensin levels to improve our positive emotional responses. However, there are methods to foster more positive associations in our daily lives.
Strategies for Enhancing Positive Associations
It’s essential to recognize that our brains, though complex, can be trained. Here are three strategies to help cultivate positive associations:
- Embrace Learning: Each experience offers a lesson. Actively seeking out the lessons can prepare you for the future, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth.
- Acknowledge Your Worth: Remind yourself of your value before facing difficult situations. Research indicates that this practice can mitigate the impact of negative outcomes.
- Be Specific with Emotions: Clearly identifying your feelings is crucial. Studies show that vague emotional labeling often leads to negative associations.
Recognizing emotions can be challenging. There are times when feelings are overwhelming, making it difficult to articulate them. In those moments, it can be easier to distract ourselves rather than confront our emotions directly.
Shifting Perspectives
The ability to connect emotions with memories is fundamental to our existence, often operating beneath our conscious awareness. This capability shapes our behavior and survival strategies. Recent research continues to reveal that we possess more control over our emotional landscapes than we may realize.
We might instinctively lean towards negativity, but we also have the power to recognize and emphasize the positive aspects of our experiences. By consciously labeling our experiences, we can reshape and redefine them, a truly remarkable capability.
This article originally appeared in the author’s newsletter, Curious Adventure, and was later edited and published on Medium.
The first video titled "How the Brain Thinks, Decides and Creates" explores the intricate processes of decision-making and creativity in the brain, providing a deeper understanding of how we perceive and react to our experiences.
The second video, "Iain McGilchrist & Sharon Dirckx • Brain Science, Consciousness & God," delves into the intersection of neuroscience and consciousness, offering perspectives on how our understanding of the brain influences our perception of spirituality and existence.