This eye-opening text brings together research from behavioral science neuroscience and other
fields to make a cogent case for emotions acting as a practical framework for living our lives.
A dozen basic emotions are analyzed in terms of what causes them how they change thoughts and
behaviors and the functional value of these responses. Contrary to the common idea of emotions
as fleeting occurrences they are shown as having the potential for lasting impact on moods
thoughts and behaviors. Intriguing findings assert that even negative emotions such as
jealousy and anger can have positive results such as promoting positive goals and can lead to
successful outcomes in overarching domains such as cognition and well-being. Among the topics
covered: · How fear and anxiety promote attention and protective behavior. · How sadness and
depression promote analysis of complex problems in goal-pursuits. · How happiness promotes
processing and attention. · How love promotes relationship development and goal attainment.·
How pride promotes sense of self and identity. The Function of Emotions is a valuable resource
for students researchers and clinicians interested in the psychology and neuroscience of
emotions and their function in everyday life. It will attract an interested readership among
professionals working in such fields as education management and leadership social work and
psychotherapy.
