Sunway University Press Launches "The Science of Feelings"

 

                        

                   Sunway University Press Launches “The Science of Feelings”

Sunway University Press and the Department of Psychology at HELP University had recently held a virtual book launch of Dr Eugene Tee’s The Science of Feelings: What Psychological Research Tells Us About Our Emotions. 

Dr Eugene is Associate Professor and Research Coordinator at the Department of Psychology, HELP University, with research interests in emotion, emotional intelligence and positive psychology. 

The 232-page The Science of Feelings: What Psychological Research Tells Us About Our Emotions is a guide to understanding why and how we feel as human beings. This book explores the different emotions we experience, the way emotions shape and influence our lives, and how essential emotions have always been to us.

The launch also featured a panel guest of experts from social and clinical psychology backgrounds such as Dr Alvin Ng, Professor and Head of the Department of Psychology at Sunway University; Dr Ng Wai Sheng, a clinical psychologist and founder of Growing Space Psychology Center in Seremban and Kuala Lumpur; and Elaine Fernandez, Head of the Department of Psychology and Convener of the Centre for Diversity at HELP University. Fernandez was also the moderator of the virtual launch and panel discussion. 

The panel members discussed the science of our emotions and ways to better understand and manage our emotions. The virtual launch and panel discussion were attended by staff and students from major universities as well as the general public.

 

The first topic of discussion was whether emotions continue to be approached with caution and skepticism. According to Dr Alvin, many people feel that one should not have any emotions. “This is something that makes us not human. As humans, we have emotions whether we like it or not,” he said. 

Dr Ng added that people are more readily accepting of positive emotions but not necessarily negative ones, citing sadness, anger, anxiety and jealousy as examples. “From a young age, we are conditioned and shaped by our parents and surroundings, in terms of how people take care of their emotions, whether they internalise, avoid or distort things, among others,” she said. 

“It is very common that people only choose the positive but neglect, avoid or completely refuse to acknowledge the negative. This usually creates more problems because what you had negated or neglected will return to haunt you.” 

The panelists then discussed the studies that have shown how unpleasant emotions have ‘spread’ through online social networking sites. Dr Eugene advised that to limit the effects of being negatively affected by social media, you can utilise a few techniques to manage news consumption habits (social media consumption). 

”Be more mindful of your media consumption habits, such as practicing good social media hygiene by cleaning up your news feed,” he said. “You can control what you choose to see or read and what to not devote your attention to.” 

He also suggested that it would be prudent to realise when you are “doom scrolling” – being continuously fixated on an endless updates of unpleasant or bad news.

Dr Alvin, meanwhile, believes in creating positivity such as building surroundings that provide you with feelings of safety, security and fun. “Include socially healthy activities in your routines, allocate some time for yourself to chill, away from social media, and do things that help grow your mindset as well as for you to progress and healthily adapt to things.”

The panelists moved on to discuss the negative impact of mental health during the pandemic and the importance of acknowledging the difficult and challenging emotions that people have experienced during this time. 

Dr Alvin cited several things we can do for others who are more emotionally drained than us. “You should learn mental health and psychosocial support methods – useful in helping yourself and also other people. It can be very therapeutic for you when you are able to help others.” 

He shared some healthy ways to manage one’s emotions or even increase the frequency of experiencing positive and pleasant emotions. “Start by acknowledging your own vulnerabilities and seek help. Part of the help relates to stress management skills,” he said. “Learn and practise methods in managing stress to see what is beneficial for you and use it. From that, you will need to develop better problem-solving skills. Here is where you will need other people’s help. Identify sources for help.”

Dr Eugene also provided tips for psychologists and academics working in the area of emotions to better convey the science to members of the general public. “Writing for the popular press and media appearances are helpful. Make the knowledge obtained and research as well as psychology findings more accessible and usable for the collective mental health of our nation,” he said. “Conveying the science of what we do to the public is important to build scientific literacy in mental health and psychology.” 

Dr Ng concluded that “it is okay to experience negative or unpleasant emotions during this time”. 

“Reach out for professional help and know there are licensed professionals capable and willing to assist you during this time. Be kind to yourself – self-compassion and self-care are crucial during these times,” she said. 

The Science of Feelings is now available in paperback at RM32.90 at https://press.sunway.edu.my and major bookstores. The Science of Feelings is part of Sunway Shorts, a new pocket-sized series featuring insights from thought leaders and experts as easy reads.