Altogether our results reveal distinct BSMs associated with both basic and complex emotions. These maps constitute the most accurate description available to date of subjective emotion-related bodily sensations. Our data highlight that consistent patterns of bodily sensations are associated with each of the six basic emotions, and that these sensations are represented in a categorical manner in the body. The distinct BSMs are in line with the evidence from brain imaging and behavioral studies, highlighting categorical structure of emotion systems and neural circuits supporting emotional processing (15, 16) and suggest that information regarding different emotions is also represented in embodied somatotopic format.
The discernible sensation patterns associated with each emotion correspond well with the major changes in physiological functions associated with different emotions (17). Most basic emotions were associated with sensations of elevated activity in the upper chest area, likely corresponding to changes in breathing and heart rate (1). Similarly, sensations in the head area were shared across all emotions, reflecting probably both physiological changes in the facial area (i.e., facial musculature activation, skin temperature, lacrimation) as well as the felt changes in the contents of mind triggered by the emotional events. Sensations in the upper limbs were most prominent in approach-oriented emotions, anger and happiness, whereas sensations of decreased limb activity were a defining feature of sadness. Sensations in the digestive system and around the throat region were mainly found in disgust. In contrast with all of the other emotions, happiness was associated with enhanced sensations all over the body. The non-basic emotions showed a much smaller degree of bodily sensations and spatial independence, with the exception of a high degree of similarity across the emotional states of fear and sadness, and their respective prolonged, clinical variants of anxiety and depression.
Read the full journal article at:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3896150/#:~:text=We%20often%20experience%20emotions%20directly,(ANS)%20(1).