Sean Horan
McGill University's research database dedicated to brain functions entitled When Fear Takes Control, Dr. Duboc, a neuroscientist and researcher at McGill University, explains how the basic instinctual functions of the brain tie many of the brain's operating centers together. According to this source, the human response to instances of fear, defined here as an emotional response to a source of danger, functions in many of the same ways as that of all other vertebrate species. The idea expressed is one of, ―Stop, look, and flee!‖ When a vertebrate encounters a perception of imminent danger, the initial instinctual reaction is to stop moving. This is followed by rapid analysis of the source of the danger in order to develop a strategy to escape. Much like a rabbit scurries away when approached by a larger creature it perceives as a threat, human beings go through the same basic steps of analysis; however, the human ability to reflect upon the source of danger, analyze the threat, and develop a means of escape far surpasses all other members of the phylum Vertebrata. Duboc also notes that human beings have been observed to go into an ―overdrive mode‖ when faced with strenuous or fear-inducing situations. This physiological state has been well documented as being capable of reducing sensations of pain due to the hyperactivity of the central nervous system. In addition, increased mental and physical capabilities have been noted in individuals experiencing this instinctual ―high.‖ Duboc also points out that when the sensation of pleasure, of which Schadenfreude is a part, is perceived, the centers of the brain that are activated to induce the sense of pleasure closely resemble the same structures that take part in the ―Fight or Flight‖ response. This ties the physiological processes related to pleasure to the reactions that occur when fear is induced. Within a controlled system, such as a carnival ride, fear is intentionally induced for the purpose of leading to pleasure and fun. This implies that individuals, such as the carnival ride designers, intentionally induce fear to stimulate the biological functions leading to the perception of pleasure. The sheer volume of human devices manufactured to induce fear for the purpose of creating pleasure act as testaments of an inherent biological need that must be satiated. It should also be noted that newer developments in medical research, such as the fMRI, have allowed for deeper understanding of several biological components of Schadenfreude. One study measured neural activity in men and woman while viewing different images meant to illicit a sympathetic response. This study concluded that men are more predisposed to Schadenfreude than women. It also concluded that men derive greater satisfaction than women at seeing justice served (Rosenthal). Another study sought to measure certain mental states and their ties to Schadenfreude. This study concluded that individuals with
20
Journal of Undergraduate Research