More than a Feeling: The Transmission of Affect and Group Identity

Authors

Lauren Fine, Brigham Young University
Brian Jackson, Brigham Young University

Keywords

group identity, emotional communication, physiological shift

College

Humanities

Department

English

Abstract

We’ve all experienced moments where we walk in and feel the tension in the room. Even before our minds can process what’s happening, we start to mirror the emotions of the people we’re around. Instances like this, where the emotion (or affect) one person is feeling subconsciously triggers a similar affect in someone else, are possible through what neuroscientists refer to as the transmission of affect. The physiological shift that influences the receiver’s emotions is triggered through visual, auditory, and olfactory cues (pheromones).

Recommended Citation

Fine, Lauren and Jackson, Brian (2015) "More than a Feeling: The Transmission of Affect and Group Identity," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2015: Iss. 1, Article 93.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2015/iss1/93