Amygdala
The amygdala is a part of the brain that processes memory and emotional reactions.
In humans, the amygdala performs a primary role in forming and storing memories associated with emotional events. This central nuclei concerns many fear responses, including freezing (immobility), rapid heartbeat, increased respiration and stress hormone release.
The amygdala is involved in memory consolidation. The long-term memory for any event is not instantaneously formed. Information regarding the event is slowly processed in long-term storage, over time. Memory consolidation can take a lifetime, when it reaches a relatively permanent state.
In this consolidation period memory can be modulated. It appears emotional arousal influences the strength of memory. Greater emotional arousal following a learning event enhances retention of the event.
The amygdala processes violations of personal space. The nuclei is found to be activated when people are close to them.
When the amygdala feels threatened it can trigger the fight or flight response, becoming irrational and, perhaps, destructive.
Daniel Goleman coined the term emotional hijack. It has three signs, strong emotional reaction, sudden onset and a realization a reaction was inappropriate. Goleman says emotions make us pay attention, right now. They give us an immediate plan of action without having to think twice. That emotional response can take over the rest of the brain in a millisecond, if threatened.
The opposite of an emotional hijack is emotional intelligence, the integration of the emotional center and executive function. Interestingly, boredom correlates poorly with emotional intelligence. When your amygdala is hijacked, or you are bored, despite your abilities, your performance is poor. The emotionally intelligent are engaged, focused, motivated and attentive to match these skills to the situation.
One of the hallmarks of the emotionally intelligent is the ability to reshape the emotional landscape of a troublesome situation. Humor and empathy are traits that can de-escalate conflict, but visible anger creates a contagion of unpleasant emotions, making it tough to get anything resolved.
Emotional intelligence makes others feel valued, and value their interaction with you, considered twice as important in all jobs, distinguishing the men from the boys.
Goleman sees today's patterns of child rearing as problematic. He says,
"Children are the unintended victims of the ratcheting up of competition. Parents have to work harder and longer to maintain their parent's standard of living. Many kids are over-scheduled after school, short of down time. Kids spend more time alone, staring at a monitor than ever before. There is relational poverty, less time with their own family members. Children lack valuable time with adults who care so very much about them, who can help them learn these lessons. Short in supply is free time, time to work out problems on your own. Childhood is impoversihed, in that sense, particularly in affluent families. In the interest of society, we need to institute emotional learning programs in schools."
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