In this paper, we sought to understand why some negative emotions can have a physiological effect on the body, so that we could learn to better manage, and normalize, our reactions in emotionally stimulating situations. Previous research has predicted that these physiological effects can include variables such as impaired immune system function, insula activity, inflammation, and decreased prefrontal cortical activity. In our first (correlational) study, we tested the strength of these relationships by examining naturalistic daily changes in their variables longitudinally over a one week period. We measured emotional trauma such as stress by using the Profile of Mood States (POMS) scale to track negative emotional states, and immune function with a daily body temperature measurement with a thermometer. Social rejection and anger levels were measured through the use of a negative emotions test called the Social Rejection Lab, insula activity was measured by the amount of times gut sensation were felt and prefrontal cortical activity with the Berg’s Card Sorting Task. Fatigue levels were measured with a self-report Likert-style questionnaire, and inflammation measured by participants’ bicep circumference. Based on the strength of correlation found between anger and prefrontal cortex activity in our correlational study, we then conducted a second (experimental) study to test for a causal relationship between these two variables. For the duration of the seven day study, participants alternated between the experimental meditation condition (4-days total) and the controlled non-meditation condition (3-days total) and measured the effect this manipulation had upon prefrontal cortex activity and subjective anger levels. Data pooled across participants in our correlational study showed the strongest correlation was between anger and cortical activity, although these results were not statistically significant. Data pooled across participants in our experimental study further showed that anger and cortical activity are not related in that inducing a state of calm does not necessarily enhance an individual's cognitive functioning. This research suggests that stress-reduction techniques do not lead to any large improvements in prefrontal functioning.
