Emotion is a key part of human experience, influencing how we think, behave, and interact with others. While psychology focuses on how emotions affect behaviour, neuroscience helps us understand the brain structures and processes that underlie these emotional responses. By combining both subjects, we can gain a clearer picture of how our brains shape the feelings we experience every day.

At the centre of emotional processing in the brain is a group of structures that includes the amygdala, hippocampus, and hypothalamus. The amygdala is particularly important for detecting threats and triggering emotional responses like fear or aggression. Research has shown that damage to the amygdala can reduce fear responses, while overactivity is linked to anxiety disorders.

The hypothalamus helps regulate bodily responses to emotions by controlling the autonomic nervous system, such as heart rate and stress hormone release. The hippocampus, which is involved in memory, links emotions to past experiences, helping us learn from them.

The prefrontal cortex is involved in regulating emotions and making decisions based on emotional information. This part of the brain helps us control impulses, empathise with others, and assess the consequences of our actions. People with damage to this area often struggle with emotional regulation and social behaviour, suggesting it plays a key role in linking thought with feeling.

Neurotransmitters are chemicals in the brain that influence mood and emotion. For example, serotonin is linked to feelings of well-being and happiness. Low serotonin levels are often found in people with depression. Dopamine is related to reward and pleasure; it increases when we experience something enjoyable, like eating or social bonding. An imbalance in these chemicals can contribute to mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder.

One well-known case is Phineas Gage, a railway worker who survived a brain injury that damaged his prefrontal cortex. After the accident, his personality changed dramatically he became impulsive and aggressive providing early evidence that this brain area is involved in emotional control.

Modern research using fMRI scans also shows how emotional responses light up different parts of the brain. For example, people shown fearful faces show increased activity in the amygdala, even if the images are shown too quickly for them to be consciously aware.

The study of the brain helps explain how emotions arise and why people react differently to the same situation. Understanding the neuroscience of emotion not only deepens our knowledge of human behaviour but also supports better treatments for emotional and mental health disorders. By linking psychology with neuroscience, we can explore the full picture of how the brain shapes our feelings.