Jaak Panksepp, a neuroscientist and psychobiologist, identified seven core emotional systems in the brain, which he referred to as “basic emotional systems” or “primary process emotions.” These systems are believed to be hardwired into the brain and play a crucial role in generating emotional responses in both humans and animals. Here’s a brief overview of each system:
- SEEKING: This system drives the organism to seek out resources and opportunities, creating feelings of anticipation, curiosity, and motivation. It’s associated with the release of dopamine.
- RAGE: The RAGE system is linked to anger and aggression, triggered when an organism’s goals are frustrated or when it is threatened. It’s closely associated with the fight response.
- FEAR: This system helps organisms recognize and respond to threats, promoting survival by generating feelings of fear and anxiety, leading to flight or defensive behaviors.
- LUST: The LUST system is involved in reproductive behaviors and sexual attraction. It’s driven by sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen.
- CARE: CARE is associated with nurturing behaviors, particularly parental care. It’s linked to the release of oxytocin and promotes bonding and affection.
- PANIC/GRIEF: This system is related to social attachment and separation anxiety. When social bonds are threatened or lost, it generates feelings of sadness and despair. It’s particularly active during experiences of loss or social rejection.
- PLAY: The PLAY system encourages social engagement and the development of social skills through play behaviors. It’s important for social bonding and learning.
Panksepp’s work on these systems has had significant implications for understanding the biological basis of emotions and has influenced fields such as psychology, psychiatry, and neurobiology.
