Abstract
This chapter advances the following definition of positive balance at the physiological level. Individuals characterized as as high in mental health tend to experience a preponderance of neurochemicals related to rewards (dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin.) relative to negative neurochemicals related to stress (cortisol). This definition of positive mental health at the physiological level is based on much of the research literature on the neurobiology of hedonic well-being and the stress response system.
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Notes
- 1.
This section is adapted partly from Jackson, Sirgy, and Medley (2018).
- 2.
It should be noted that the current level of hedonic well-being experienced by an individual is likely to moderate the effects of euphoric drugs, such as pain killers or psychostimulants, as well. This phenomenon is commonly known as the “Law of Initial Value” (Wilder, 1958). Wilder’s law states that a change, such as that produced by a drug, cannot affect the person’s mood or cognitive state beyond their capability for change. In addition, the effect of the drug depends on the user’s initial state. If the person is close to their maximum state for the effect in question, then little change will occur; however, if they are quite distant then the greater the potential effect. For example, a person who is currently in a negative mood state (i.e., experiencing anxiety, pain, or melancholy) may experience euphoria when given small doses of morphine. In contrast, a similar dose of morphine given to a happy person may have little effect or even induce anxiety and fear (Wenk, 2009, p. 20).
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Sirgy, M.J. (2020). Positive Balance at the Physiological Level: Positive and Negative Neurotransmitters. In: Positive Balance. Social Indicators Research Series, vol 80. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-40289-1_2
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