How Emotions Are Made by Lisa Feldman Barrett
How Emotions Are Made is Lisa Feldman Barrett’s popular psychology account of how emotions are constructed through the interplay of brain, body, and culture. It connects this theory to neuroscience, medicine, and the legal system, while its 448-page length and mixed reports of readability make it a more substantial read than a quick primer.
At a glance
- Presents the idea that emotions are constructed in the moment, rather than being automatic, universal, hardwired reactions.
- Connects emotion science with the brain, body, and culture.
- Discusses possible real-world implications for health care, medicine, and the legal system.
Often bought together
Pros and cons
Pros
- Offers a clear central question about how emotions form, with implications reaching beyond psychology into medicine and law.
- Customer feedback describes the book as fascinating and enlightening, particularly for challenging familiar assumptions.
Technical specifications
8 specifications| Publisher | Mariner Books |
|---|---|
| Publication date | March 13, 2018 |
| Edition | Reprint |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 448 pages |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1328915436 |
| Weight listed | 12.3 ounces |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 5.31 x 1.12 x 8 inches |
What to know before buying
- The listing describes a research-backed account, but customer feedback is mixed on the strength of its scientific support. Writing style and readability also draw mixed reactions, so this may be less suitable for readers seeking an easy or consistently brisk introduction.
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers interested in popular psychology, neuroscience, or competing explanations of emotion.
- Readers who want to consider how theories of emotion may matter in health care or the legal system.
Less suited to
- Readers looking for a short overview, a practical emotion-management workbook, or an account guaranteed to be easy to follow.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
74% 74% - 4 stars
16% 16% - 3 stars
7% 7% - 2 stars
1% 1% - 1 star
2% 2%
Customer feedback often describes the book as fascinating and enlightening, especially for challenging long-held ideas. Readers also report mixed views on its scientific support, writing style, and readability. That variability matters for a substantial popular-science book: readers drawn to its brain-and-culture account of emotion may welcome the argument, while those seeking an effortless or universally persuasive introduction may find the experience less consistent.
Positive themes
- Customers describe the content as fascinating and enlightening and appreciate its challenge to familiar ideas.
Mixed feedback
- Some customers question the scientific support, despite others finding the research comprehensive.
- Reactions to writing style and readability vary, from enjoyable and easy to dull or difficult to follow.
Frequently asked questions
What is the book’s main idea?
The listing says Barrett argues that emotions are constructed in the moment through an interplay of brain, body, and culture, rather than being fixed, automatic reactions.
Is this a short introduction to emotion science?
It is listed at 448 pages, so buyers wanting a brief primer may prefer a shorter overview.
Is the book easy to read?
Customer feedback is mixed. Some readers find it easy to read, while others say it is difficult to follow.
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