Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Date of Degree

9-2017

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.A.

Program

Liberal Studies

Advisor

Elizabeth Macaulay-Lewis

Subject Categories

Psychology

Keywords

love, hate, brain, circuit, relationship, normal

Abstract

The assertion, “It’s a thin line between love and hate,” is often referenced to express the relative ease of a sole emotion morphing from one extreme to next. Both love and hate generate the same physiological fluctuations which include, but are not limited to, a racing pulse, sweaty palms, releasing of hormones, and some degree of excitability. While physiologically the responses are the same, psychologically and philosophically they are considered opposites. In the sphere of psychology, it is going from what is considered normal behavior or a normal response to abnormal behavior or an abnormal response (McKay, 2016). For this research a systematic review of the literature was conducted to accomplish three tasks. First, define love and hate and their interactions with the body/mind through the lens of key philosophers, psychologists, and biological scientists. Second, how love and hate are intimately associated within the human psyche and formed through attachments is explored. Third, how two opposing feelings travel on the same emotional circuit is examined. Emotions and feelings of love and hate are powerful, dynamic, and in constant flux. They process an aesthetic value, which inspires us to great heights and lures us to the lowest depths of the human condition. Hence, they are a fascinating phenomenon fitting and worthy of exploration.

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