Negative emotions can impede cognitive functioning from "summary" of Emotional Blocks to Learning by Irving D. Harris
Negative emotions, such as fear, anxiety, or anger, have been shown to have a significant impact on our cognitive abilities. When we are experiencing strong negative emotions, our brains are flooded with stress hormones that can impair our ability to think clearly and logically. This can make it difficult for us to focus, concentrate, and retain information. In essence, these negative emotions can create a barrier that hinders our cognitive functioning. Emotions can act as a filter through which we perceive the world around us. When we are in a negative emotional state, our brains are more likely to focus on threats and dangers, rather than on opportunities and possibilities. This can narrow our focus and limit our ability to consider different perspectives or think creatively. As a result, we may struggle to come up with new ideas or solutions to problems. Moreover, negative emotions can interfere with our memory and learning processes. When we are feeling anxious or stressed, our brains are more likely to prioritize survival over learning. This means that we may have difficulty encoding new information into our long-term memory or retrieving information when we need it. In other words, our ability to learn and remember information is compromised when we are in a negative emotional state. Additionally, negative emotions can affect our decision-making abilities. When we are feeling fearful or angry, our brains are more likely to resort to instinctive, emotional responses rather than rational, logical thinking. This can lead us to make impulsive or irrational decisions that we may later regret. In this way, negative emotions can cloud our judgment and prevent us from making sound choices.- Negative emotions can have a profound impact on our cognitive functioning. They can impair our ability to think clearly, creatively, and rationally, as well as interfere with our memory, learning, and decision-making processes. By recognizing and addressing these emotional blocks to learning, we can better support our cognitive abilities and improve our overall well-being.
