by Sabrina Ginesi

Created on: April 01, 2009   Last Updated: April 03, 2009

Daniel Goleman waited years to publish what he believed to be the crucial element of human survival, yet scientific opinion varied and research was minimal. Eventually he put together a best seller and revolutionised how emotional intelligence affects our every move through evidence of neurological involvement. The amygdala being the first area of the brain to develop holds the key to understanding the emotional brain and the tools we are equipped with for survival. His concept suggested there are two brains, the emotional (amygdala) and rational brain (neocortex) but in situations that involve extreme emotions, the emotional brain takes over and cognitive abilities are restricted. This he referred to as an 'emotional hijack' and is evident in everyday living. I will attempt to describe his concept in great detail while referring to the brain structures involved. Strategies for reducing the impact of the hijack will also be outlined.

Before embarking on the concept of an emotional hijack, a brief understanding of emotions and the role they play in life will be elaborated on. Emotions, it's said, guide us in facing predicaments and tasks too important to leave to intellect alone (Goleman, 1994, pg 4). For example, dangerous situations, loss, bonding with a mate and building a family. Each emotion offering a distinctive readiness to act and points us in the direction to handle recurring challenges of human life. Evolution confirms the survival value of our emotions as our innate nervous system has been imprinted and they are automatic tendencies of the human heart.

When experiences even vaguely resemble a past trauma, a part of the brain known as the amygdala acts in a way that Goleman refers to as an emotional hijack. Some will freeze from fright, while others will become aggressive. This is commonly referred to as the 'fight or flight mechanism.' Rather than being channelled mostly to the prefrontal cortex, sensory input streams directly to the amygdala, overriding facts, overwhelming logical thought and causing one to react without conscious thought. An emotional hijacking can come in many forms. It is often the culprit when one finds himself or herself apologizing for behaving badly. Emotional hijacking often results in a lower emotional intelligence. I will describe the neurological involvement in this process.

The anatomy of an emotional hijacking involves neurons that explode at the first sense of fear or danger. A centre of the limbic brain proclaims an

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