emotions

Gauging a person’s emotional state from facial expressions alone is a futile exercise, according to a new study by a Northeastern researcher. Photo by Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University

You think you can read facial expressions? You’re wrong.

Facial expressions are not reliable indicators of how people are feeling, says Northeastern professor Lisa Feldman Barrett.

by Khalida Sarwari July 19, 2019

Lisa Feldman Barrett, a University Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Northeastern, has dedicated a quarter century to studying emotions. Photo by Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University

What made this TED talk one of the most watched of 2018?

A talk by Northeastern psychology professor Lisa Feldman Barrett about how our brains control emotions amassed more than 3 million views last year.

by Khalida Sarwari January 15, 2019

Northeastern professor named president-elect for the Association of Psychological Science

Psychology professor Lisa Feldman Barrett, research in the field of affective neuroscience has upended conventional wisdom on the nature of emotions, has been named President-Elect for the Association of Psychological Science.

by Allie Nicodemo May 11, 2018

Exploring emotion in the brain

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. But what role does the brain play in shaping subjective experience? Ajay Satpute, assistant professor in the College of Science, explores this puzzle through the interplay of psychology and neuroscience.

by Allie Nicodemo September 6, 2017

New research led by Distinguished Professor Lisa Feldman Barrett

Rigorous science upends the mind-body myth

New research led by Northeastern’s Lisa Feldman Barrett reveals the system in the brain where basic feelings originate. The findings could help solve mysteries regarding the tight connection between mental and physical health, including the neurological drivers behind the opioid crisis. They could also revolutionize our understanding of how we make decisions, leading to more considered choices in areas ranging from the law to the economy.

by Thea Singer May 16, 2017

3Qs: Advice for handling strong emotions post-election

Psychology professor Lisa Feldman Barrett provides perspective on the intensity of our emotions this election season, how the campaign might affect us psychologically over the long term, and how we can regain our equilibrium as individuals and as a nation.

by Thea Singer November 15, 2016