George Loewenstein's New Book Explores the Neuroscience and Psychology of Rejection
George Loewenstein, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University, recently released a book titled *The Opposite of Happiness: How Bad Feelings Make and Break Us*, published by Harper. The book delves into the impact of negative emotions, especially rejection, on our lives. A survey by Loewenstein indicates that a significant number of individuals, about 59%, report feeling emotional pain from rejection, with over 40% subsequently facing depression. Men are notably at a higher risk for suicide following breakups. The research also highlights a neurological connection between rejection and physical pain, suggesting forgiveness may help if the rejecting party shows redeeming qualities.
Key facts
- George Loewenstein is a professor at Carnegie Mellon University and a founder of behavioral economics.
- His book The Opposite of Happiness: How Bad Feelings Make and Break Us is published by Harper.
- Loewenstein conducted a Misery Survey to collect accounts of life's worst experiences.
- Plato's Symposium myth describes humans originally having double nature, split by Zeus, leading to the concept of soulmates.
- Diana Athill's memoir Instead of a Letter compares rejection pain to a finger crushed in a door or a tooth under a drill.
- Stephen Morley's study found 59% of subjects recalled some pain sensation, 41% none, and 0% reexperienced it.
- Over 40% of people struggle with depression after rejection; 12% classify episodes as moderate to severe.
- Kip Williams created Cyberball, showing rejection causes reflexive pain even against perceived computer opponents.
- fMRI studies show rejection activates the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, linked to physical pain.
- Loewenstein suggests forgiveness and reconciliation may be beneficial if the rejecter has other redeeming qualities.
Entities
Artists
- George Loewenstein
- Plato
- Aristophanes
- Zeus
- Apollo
- Diana Athill
- Stephen Morley
- Kip Williams
Institutions
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Harper
- HarperCollins Publishers
- Purdue University
- Vogue
Locations
- Mount Olympus