Art of Valence
Art of Joy
Things to Remember
- Emotion has an arousal axis (very low to very high)
Emotion, Positive Valence, Pleasant Activation
In the context of psychology and neuroscience, positive valence is often discussed in relation to how the brain processes and reacts to stimuli perceived as rewarding or pleasurable. This concept is crucial in understanding emotional responses, decision-making, and behavior. For example, activities that produce feelings of happiness, joy, or satisfaction would be considered positive valence.
Happiness
Neuroscience defines happiness as complex state influenced by various brain areas, neurotransmitters, and hormones. Key components include:
- Brain areas: The prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus are crucial.
- Neurotransmitters and Hermones. Dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins play significant roles in feeling happy.
- Cognitive Processes: Thoughts and interpretations, like optimism and gratitude impact happiness by influencing neural circuits.
Where is it in the brain?
Positive reinforcement produced by electrical simulation of septal area and other regions of rat brain - James Olds, Peter Milner
Septal Stimulation for the Initiation of Heterosexual Behavior in a Homosexual Male
Mesolimbic Dopamine System
Decides what is pleasurable and rewarding
Dopamine
Catalyzes the search for reward
Movement and Happiness
Key activator for dopamine systems
Types of Happiness
| External Happiness | Internal Happiness |
|---|---|
| Money | Meditation |
Difference in Happiness that the marginal dollar makes around reducing negative feelings falls off around $70,000
Gross National Happiness
Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi 1975
Flow state - when your abilities and the challenges that you are faced with align
Murakami
Iconography
Moebius
Vast spaces that feel cozy
Dust Golden Age
Riches
Sugar
Henri Mattise
Colorist
Light/Color
External beauty / display of wealth