ROLE OF EMOTIONS IN COGNITIVE PROCESSING: A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS

Abstract

The intricate relationship between emotions and cognitive processing has emerged as a fundamental area of psychological research, challenging traditional views that positioned emotion and cognition as separate systems. This chapter examines the multifaceted role emotions play in cognitive functions, including attention, memory, decision-making, and problem-solving. Through an exploration of neurobiological mechanisms, cognitive theories, and empirical evidence, we demonstrate how emotions serve not merely as distractors but as essential facilitators of adaptive cognitive processing. The chapter discusses key theoretical frameworks such as the Affect Infusion Model, Somatic Marker Hypothesis, and Broaden-and-Build Theory, while addressing contemporary research on emotional regulation, mood congruence effects, and the neural substrates underlying emotion-cognition interactions.