An fMRI study of happiness by inducing positive affect states

Han Shin Jo, Yang Yen Ou, Chun Chia Kung

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

The present study examined neural activations during the positive affective state by Functional magnetic resonance images (fMRI) as participants viewed pictures of achievements (positive arousal) and connectedness (positive valence). The theoretical model of affective structure is related to explain positive affective state. We hypothesized that positive affect on two different dimensions would engage participants in distinct happiness states. 22 undergrad/grad participants performed rating the subjective experience of happiness during positive affective state by the presented photos (i.e. connectedness, achievement and neutral). Across analyses, we found a set of neural regions that support an empathic state and positive affective state. A brain activity of cognitive-evaluative system is engaged when participants view achievement stimuli. In contrast, affective- perceptual form of empathy is engaged for connectedness stimuli. In addition, cognitive-evaluative neural activation was highly correlated with the strength of perceived happiness, whereas affective-perceptual related neural regions showed no correlation. Taken together, our results provide evidence to suggest that there are integrative neuro-cognitve networks supporting the processing of positive affect where activated in functionally and anatomically dissociable patterns.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of 2015 International Conference on Orange Technologies, ICOT 2015
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages58-62
Number of pages5
ISBN (Electronic)9781467382373
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2016 Jun 22
Event3rd International Conference on Orange Technologies, ICOT 2015 - Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Duration: 2015 Dec 192015 Dec 22

Publication series

NameProceedings of 2015 International Conference on Orange Technologies, ICOT 2015

Other

Other3rd International Conference on Orange Technologies, ICOT 2015
Country/TerritoryHong Kong
CityHong Kong
Period15-12-1915-12-22

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition
  • Social Psychology
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Computer Networks and Communications

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