Prof. Hanoğlu: Emotions play a role even in the most rational decisions we make

An event titled “Anatomy of Emotions: Journey through the Hidden Maps of the Mind” was organized in collaboration with Istanbul Medipol University Psychological Counseling and Guidance Club and Cognitive Neuroscience Club. The event, which took place at the South Campus Conference Hall, was attended by School of Medicine Faculty Member Prof. Lütfü Hanoğlu, Specialist Psychological Counselor Merve Başak Tunç, Assoc. Prof. Hüseyin Günay, and Forensic Science Expert Lale Pınar Çoraklı. In his presentation on the neuroanatomy and physiology of emotions, Prof. Lütfü Hanoğlu explained how the brain constructs the mind and self. He stated that neuropsychiatric diseases such as anxiety, depression and bipolar disorders can cause damage to certain parts of the brain. Drawing attention to the functioning of the nervous system and the fundamental role of emotions in human behavior, Prof. Hanoğlu said: “There is a world inside our heads, but we rebuild this world in our minds with the help of our brains. Emotions play an absolute role even in the most rational decisions we make.”

TUNÇ: EMOTIONS ARE THE KEY TO A HEALTHY LIFE
Specialist Psychological Counselor Merve Başak Tunç, who made a comprehensive presentation on the process behind emotions and schema therapy, underlined the importance of a healthy emotional life on the mental and social health of the individual. Explaining how individuals can learn and meet their unmet needs in the past with schema therapy, Tunç defined the main purpose of raising children as creating a healthy emotional structure. Emphasizing the role of parents in the emotional development of children, Tunç added: “Emotions make life easier when experienced appropriately and in their natural flow. It is vital that parents meet the basic universal emotional needs of their children. These needs include secure attachment, autonomy, freedom of expression of emotions, and rational boundaries.”