The Push and Pull of Emotions - Sidetracked
Science Daily recently published an article describing a study which looked into why we feel guilty. I noticed it because of Erin’s recent post asking why we criticise ourselves so often.
The study shows a push and pull effect; the “push” of guilt makes us feel sad or anxious, and the “pull” of guilt makes us feel motivated or keen to act. The research shows that guilt directs us to regulate our behaviour in line with social expectations, “pushing” us away from behaviour we learn is unwelcome, and “pulling” us towards corrective or beneficial behaviour.
So, if the same applies to other emotions, perhaps Erin’s answer is that our emotions drive us to align with the societal principles and values we choose to adopt, and that drive manifests as critical self-talk. I suspect that the more off-track our behaviour, the more we self-criticise.
Interesting stuff but I’m pretty sure the article is talking it up a little when it says the “research presents a new idea of emotions serving a dynamic motivational function for regulating behavior.” As far as I knew there was nothing new about the idea that emotions serve to dynamically regulate behaviour.
[Note: "Sidetracked" just means that I'm not going into detail with this post, so don't be mislead into thinking you're going to get an in-depth explanation of the topic. I'll do this with any interesting articles I come across which I don't discuss in-depth.]
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July 30th, 2007 at 4:44 pm
Mark, I think you’re right that this is not a new idea - it’s a pretty damn obvious one, really! And appropriate for me today, as I have been feeling guilty regarding my lack of progress on the fitness front. There is definitely a ‘push-pull’ going on for me right now. Thankfully, the ‘pull’ is winning today.
July 30th, 2007 at 11:37 pm
I think its noteworthy that you point out people often “choose to adopt” societal principles and values. What do you think it would take for people to learn to step beyond the examples they perceive around them so as to listen to the core of themselves?
July 31st, 2007 at 7:45 am
People do choose to adopt those principles, but it is often at a level below that of conscious awareness. You do tend to subconsciously choose those principles which the people you associate with most, and even more so identify with most, have adopted themselves. They, in turn tend to do the same. This means two things… one, that you need to make sure you increase your awareness of the principles of those you associate with, and two, that you can influence those around you by consciously adopting and practicing principles that you find worthy.
In other words, Liara, it takes the person in question, or the society in question, increasing their awareness of the principles of those around them, and choosing to be around those that embody the principles which they approve.
July 31st, 2007 at 9:23 am
“In other words, Liara, it takes the person in question, or the society in question, increasing their awareness of the principles of those around them, and choosing to be around those that embody the principles which they approve.”
Jason, I agree that this is beneficial - it certainly makes it easier to stay in a positive state when you surround yourself with people who embody principles you hold, or aspire to hold.
Liara, I like to think I ‘listen to the core of myself’ - I’m not unduly influenced by others, not consciously, anyway. How to get others to do that? Not sure.
July 31st, 2007 at 11:37 am
I agree with what Jason said. The core you refer to, Liara, in whatever form it might take, is still influenced by everything surrounding the core, both within the individual and outside.
So there is potential for conflict internally, and between the individual and members of the group. We can avoid that conflict by doing as Jason said, increasing our awareness, not only of ourselves, but of those we associate with. And by choosing to associate with those whose principles and values are the same as those at our core. And further by being aware of when we’re being influenced by others (which, for most of us, is almost always).
July 31st, 2007 at 11:47 am
Mark, can you give an example of what you mean by ‘influenced by others’? To what degree are you influenced, and in what respects?
I mean, we are all the sum of our experiences, so of course ‘influence’ is being exerted constantly, but how do you notice this changing you exactly?
July 31st, 2007 at 12:28 pm
Personally? A recent example is how I feel and think while I read Antonio Damasio’s Descartes Error. What he says sounds right, it makes sense to me, so even though he clearly and repeatedly says that a lot of what he said are hypotheses, I have to remind myself that though he is an authority in the realm of neuroscience, he’s not necessarily right. If I didn’t do this I could easily see myself being convinced that his opinions are facts.
The same happens at uni. Much of the information that lectures teach, and the reference material contains, will probably be proven wrong within the next decade. Or at least incomplete. Thankfully they strongly encourage critical thinking. And yet even that has its own influence. The learning process must be slowed down so that you can carefully consider what you’re learning. Without the influence of many teachers in my past, I wouldn’t pay as much attention to that encouragement now. In that respect influence is beneficial, hence the need for awareness and conscious choice in what we allow to influence us or not.
My friends also influence my enjoyment of simple things, such as watching a movie. If I go to the cinemas with a friend who has similar tastes in movies I’ll enjoy the whole experience a hell of a lot more than just watching it on my own.
July 31st, 2007 at 12:40 pm
Thanks for clarifying, Mark. I was wondering if you meant that others perhaps exerted a deeper influence on your core beliefs and principles.
I find that some people are overly influenced by others, so that they lose whatever made them ‘them’. That’s a whole other kettle of fish, isn’t it?
July 31st, 2007 at 1:00 pm
Yup, that is part of what I meant. Take critical thinking for example. That’s one of my core values, which others have helped create and reinforce. I’m not certain how much other’s influence has affected me because I’d have to consider almost 28 years of memories, but I’m pretty sure it could be described as deep.
And thanks for your comments Claire, Jason and Liara
August 1st, 2007 at 9:52 am
Some people may find it hard to realize whether or not they actually listen to themselves. The extend to which you listen to yourself would depend on how well you think you know “the real you.” It would seem that each choice we make, each strength and weakness we discover, each like and dislike we intuit, all contribute to discerning the core self. Your confidence in yourself also reveals how much faith you have in how well you think you know yourself. Do you feel separate or connected to others?
People will always set examples or offer you their impression of what your skills, qualities, abilities and potential are. The question is, what will you choose to believe and how will you go about exploring yourself in ways no person specifically pointed you toward?