neuroscience, it should be considered to be tentative and idealized. As this
figure shows, we propose that the right (RH) limbic system is the focal site of
negative–avoidance affects, whereas the left (LH) limbic system is the main
site of positive–approach affects. Each limbic system, in turn, potentiates ac-
tivity in the prefrontal cortex of the opposite side (limbic RH to left PFC, and
limbic LH to right PFC). At the same time, the PFC of each side controls–po-
tentiates activity of the limbic system of its own side (left PFC to limbic LH;
right PFC to limbic RH). In addition, structures (PFC and limbic system) of
each hemisphere dialectically compete and tend to reduce–inhibit the activity
of the corresponding structures in the other hemisphere. Finally, we believe,
as discussed in the following, that self-consciousself 2is situated predomi-
nantly in the ventromedial left PFC and anterior temporal LH, whereas the
purely experientialself1is predominantly in the right PFC and anterior tem-
poral RH. These two self-organizations, in turn, are part of the dialectical
system of affective-cognitive regulatory checks and balances as indicated in
Fig. 8.3.
If we interpret this model using the views of Kuhl, Fredickson, Davidson,
and Fox, it becomes plausible to think that the affective bias of negative emo-
tions towards activating left PFC is part of Evolution’s way to prepare us for
specific effortful problem-solving activities (praxis!), which negative af-
fects–emotions (and their usually accompanying misleading situations) often
necessitate. Because the mental and behavioral work needed to succeed in
226 PASCUAL-LEONE AND JOHNSON
FIG. 8.3. Speculative idealized model of affective-cognitive interregulations.