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Old and young brains rely on different systems to remember emotional content

A study by Duke University Medical Center found that older adults use their brains differently when it comes to storing memories associated with negative emotions. Older adults have less connectivity between emotion-generating and memory regions, but stronger connections with the frontal cortex, which controls lower-order brain functions.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 16, 2008

How about dessert?

A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that consumers with highly developed emotional sensibilities are better at making product choices. The authors developed a scale to assess consumer emotional ability, which predicts overeating and other unhealthy behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateMay 30, 2008

Studies' message to women: Keep your cool

Research conducted by Yale University psychologist Victoria Brescoll reveals that women who express anger are viewed as less capable than men. In contrast, angry men are seen as more competent and deserving of higher status. Explaining one's emotions may help mitigate this bias.

SourceYale University·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 2, 2008

Mouse calls help search for emotion-controlling genes

A team of researchers found that high-frequency vocalizations in male mice are associated with approach behaviors and positive emotions, linked to dopamine and acetylcholine receptors. The study provides a new method for screening emotion genes and developing drugs for controlling emotions and mood disorders.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 1, 2008

Pursuing parenthood: Discourses of persistence

A new study investigates how culturally engrained systems of ideas influence persistent goal striving for parenthood. The researchers identify three major discourses: scientific rationalism, self-management, and fatalism, which shape people's appraisals of means, planning, and persistence in achieving parenthood. These discourses help ...

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateNov 12, 2007

How emotionally charged events leave their mark on memory

Researchers have discovered a mechanism that strengthens memory connections in response to emotional stress, which may underlie why traumatic events can be more vividly remembered than everyday ones. The study found that the stress hormone norepinephrine enhances learning and memory by increasing GluR1 receptors.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateOct 4, 2007

Feeling sad about Iraq? New research finds that it won't keep you from buying American products

A new study finds that negative feelings towards a country do not necessarily lead to product evaluations based on country of origin. Angry consumers may try to punish a country by avoiding its products, while saddened consumers believe the event is beyond human control and do not affect their purchasing.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateDec 5, 2006

Shopping with your heart makes sense, says Queen's business prof

A study by Queen's University researcher Laurence Ashworth suggests that emotion plays a significant role in consumers' purchasing decisions, particularly for high-involvement products. This challenges existing assumptions about the long-term effects of emotional purchases and highlights the potential benefits of incorporating emotions...

SourceQueen's University·JournalJournal of Correctional Health Care·DateNov 9, 2006

Music -- the key to feeling good?

The Braintuning project, a €2.5 million EU-funded research initiative, aims to investigate the relationship between music, emotions, and brain functions. Researchers seek to explain individual differences in musical preferences and emotional responses to music, as well as how environmental factors influence these experiences.

Irrational decisions driven by emotions

A new study at University College London found that humans often act irrationally when faced with difficult decisions, driven by emotional reactions. Participants were more likely to gamble at the threat of losing £30 than the offer of keeping £20, despite both options resulting in the same outcome.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScience·DateAug 3, 2006

New model of brain sheds light on triggers of autism

A new brain model, iSTART, describes how imbalanced brain mechanisms underlie autistic behaviors. Individuals with autism exhibit hyperspecific learning, under-aroused emotional responses, and breakdowns in adaptive timing, leading to symptoms like reduced emotional expression and emotional outbursts.

SourceBoston University·JournalPsychological Review·DateJul 10, 2006

The effects of mood and emotional state on decision making

Research reveals that people's mood can influence their choices, particularly in situations involving risk-taking behavior, social interactions, and financial decisions. The studies found that thinking about one's own mood can increase concern with the pleasurable consequences of decisions, leading to less optimal outcomes.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Behavioral Decision Making·DateApr 3, 2006