Selected principles of Pankseppian affective neuroscience

In the early 1990s, Jaak Panksepp introduced the term “Affective Neuroscience” (AN), establishing it as a distinct field within cross-species brain science. Through methodologies including electrical stimulation, pharmacological challenges, and brain lesions in vertebrate brains, primarily mammals, Panksepp identified seven fundamental emotional systems: SEEKING, CARE, PLAY, and LUST representing positive affects, while FEAR, SADNESS, and ANGER represent negative affects. Extensive research in clinical settings has substantiated the notion that imbalances within these primary emotional systems correlate strongly with psychiatric conditions, particularly depression. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of Panksepp’s seminal ideas, tracing the historical context of Affective Neuroscience, exploring its intersections with neuroscience and personality psychology, and summarizing the principal concepts underlying this influential framework. [NPID: Panskepp, affective neuroscience, brain, methodologies, emotional systems, negative affect, nutrition, psychology, affective neuroscience, personality, framework]

Year: 2019

Reference: Davis, K. L., & Montag, C. (2019). Selected Principles of Pankseppian Affective Neuroscience. Frontiers in neuroscience, 12, 1025. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2018.01025

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