Emily Kitazawa, Author at Shortform Books

Emotional Neuroscience (A New Theory of “Feeling”)

What is emotional neuroscience? What does a modern theory of emotion tell us about neuroscience and emotions? According to neuroscientist and psychologist Lisa Feldman Barrett, emotional neuroscience gives us a modern explanation of emotions, and many beliefs about how humans “feel” are outdated. Barrett’s new theory of constructed emotion reveals the neuroscience behind feelings and emotions. Read on to learn how Barrett explains emotional neuroscience with her theory of constructed emotions.

This Is What Conditional Love Parenting Looks Like

What is conditional love parenting? How is conditional love parenting harmful to children? How can parents demonstrate unconditional love and acceptance? In his book, Unconditional Parenting, author Alfie Kohn warns parents of the harmful effects conditional love parenting produces in children. Kohn believes the best way to raise happy, confident children is to show unconditional support by understanding your children’s perspectives. Keep reading for Kohn’s explanation of conditional love parenting plus tips for unconditional parenting.

What Martin Seligman’s Dog Experiment Means for Humans

What was the significance of Martin Seligman’s dog experiments? What do the results mean for humans, according to psychology? Martin Seligman conducted a series of experiments using dogs to explain his theory of learned helplessness. According to Seligman’s findings, learned helplessness exists in humans and can lead to a number of mental health problems, if left untreated. Read on to find out what Martin Seligman’s dog experiment means for the mental health of humans.

Universal Emotions: Psychology Says They Don’t Exist

What are universal emotions in psychology? Do universal emotions even exist? Which emotions are universal? In her book, How Emotions Are Made, neuroscientist and psychologist Lisa Feldman Barrett examined past psychological experiments to create a new theory of emotions in psychology. According to Barrett’s findings, universal emotions don’t exist as many psychologists previously believed. Keep reading to find out why Barrett says universal emotions are a myth, according to psychology.

The Sun and Her Flowers: Analysis of Kaur’s Poetry

Looking for an analysis of The Sun and Her Flowers? What are the key takeaways from Rupi Kaur’s poems? In Rupi Kaur’s book of poems, The Sun and Her Flowers, she explores feelings of loss, emptiness, insecurity, and growth. By analyzing Kaur’s poems for these themes, it’s easier to understand Kaur’s commentary on these larger social issues. Read on for our analysis of The Sun and Her Flowers, based on the themes in Kaur’s poems.

Being a Supportive Parent: Importance & Benefits

What does it mean to be a supportive parent? Why is it important to be supportive? How does being a supportive parent benefit children? According to author Alfie Kohn, today’s parenting advice focuses almost exclusively on a punishment-and-reward system of discipline. Not enough attention is paid to learning how to be a supportive parent outside of disciplining kids. Keep reading for Kohn’s advice on being a supportive parent and why it’s so important.

Defining Learned Optimism: Self-Taught Positivity

How does Martin Seligman define learned optimism? What is an optimistic mindset? How can you learn to be more optimistic? Psychologist Martin Seligman coined the term “learned optimism” as a way of demonstrating that the traits of an optimistic person can be learned by anyone, even natural pessimists. In his book, Learned Optimism, Seligman explains the concept of learned optimism, including techniques for breaking out of a pessimistic mindset. Read on to learn Seligman’s definition of learned optimism, plus how you can teach yourself optimism.

Lisa Feldman Barrett: “Emotions Don’t Happen to You”

What does Lisa Feldman Barrett say about emotions? How can it help you better understand your own emotions? According to neuroscientist and psychologist Lisa Feldman Barrett, emotions don’t simply happen to you, rather they are constructed by you depending on your past experiences. Barrett has spent years studying emotions in the human brain, publishing her book, How Emotions Are Made, to share her findings. Keep reading for Lisa Feldman Barrett’s surprising explanation of how you create your own emotions.

Cultural Differences in Emotions: Do We All “Feel” the Same?

Are there cultural differences in emotions? How does your culture shape your emotions? Are some emotions unique to certain cultures? Lisa Feldman Barrett says emotions don’t necessarily cross borders—cultural differences shape how you experience and express emotions. According to Barrett, universal emotions are mostly a myth because the experiments they’re based on were flawed. Keep reading to learn why there are cultural differences in emotions, according to Barrett’s research.

Martin Seligman: Optimism Can Be Learned

Can optimism be learned? How can you learn to be optimistic? What is Martin Seligman’s advice? According to Martin Seligman, optimism means having an empowered and confident mindset. Seligman says you can learn to be optimistic just like you learn a new skill—through practice and dedication. Keep reading to find out how you can learn to be optimistic, according to Seligman’s advice.