A Physiological Model of Emotion Formation: A Critique of Damasio's Theory

The nature of emotional experiences and the mechanisms underlying their formation remain central questions in contemporary neuroscience. Antonio Damasio’s theory, as outlined in Self Comes to Mind: Constructing the Conscious Brain [1], posits that consciousness derives from “body maps” generated by brainstem structures. This article critically evaluates key tenets of Damasio’s framework and proposes an alternative physiological model grounded in the hierarchical integration of peripheral and central nervous systems, hormonal modulation, and the critical role of the social environment in human survival and development. The discussion encompasses embryonic developmental stages, mechanisms of reflexive activity, sensory integration, and the pivotal role of interpersonal interactions in shaping emotional experiences. Keywords: emotions, sensory integration, social interaction, hormonal modulation, emotional memory, consciousness, homeostasis, Damasio, Meshcheryakov, deafblind children.