Dynamic emotion fabric theory: a new framework for understanding the biology of flexible emotion states

A central unresolved issue in affective neuroscience is whether human emotions have unique biological signatures in the brain and body. Despite decades of debate, a consensus is lacking on whether emotions are patterned (similar across contexts and characterized by distinct features) or flexible (variable across contexts and lacking distinct features). Studies in other species have revealed the ubiquity of autonomic and motor patterns, and these investigations have elucidated the biology of central pattern generation at the levels of networks, neurons, and synapses. Here, we integrate the knowledge gained from this research and introduce the Dynamic Emotion Fabric Theory (DEFT), a new model of emotions biology. DEFT proposes that, just as fabrics are comprised of both patterns and textures, emotions are accompanied by stereotyped responses that are distinct and recognizable, yet also nuanced and malleable. A neurobiological system that is both automatic-generating patterned reactions essential for survival-and flexible-texturizing each response in context-is equipped to produce the spectrum of human emotions. DEFT provides new insights into the biological basis of emotions and identifies novel areas that warrant further study in humans and other species. This framework has implications for basic affective neuroscience and clinical studies of affective symptoms.