Decoding affective control

The DEACON (Decoding Affective Control) project studies how our brain controls emotions and how we can improve this ability. Emotions greatly influence our daily lives - from our mood and decisions to our mental health. If we are unable to regulate our emotions well, it can lead to problems such as depression, anxiety disorders and other mental illnesses. Regulating emotions means that we can consciously control our emotional reactions in different situations. The main goal of the DEACON project is to find out why some people are better able to control their emotions than others. To achieve this, we will investigate what cognitive processes occur in the brain when we try to regulate our emotions. For this purpose, we plan to use modern, non-invasive imaging techniques, particularly functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). This allows us to gain detailed insights into the neural mechanisms of emotion regulation. In addition to neuroimaging, we will collect information about participants` daily emotional experiences using smartphone-based surveys. These data help us test the theory of emotion regulation in the real world and understand how emotional experiences and their regulation work in everyday life. The DEACON project follows an integrative research approach that takes into account both neural and psychological aspects of emotion regulation. By combining laboratory studies and everyday observations, we strive to develop a comprehensive model of emotion regulation. Our research has the potential to make important contributions to the prevention and treatment of mental illnesses. By understanding how the brain regulates emotions, we can develop new, individually tailored therapy and prevention programs. These programs could help people better manage their emotions and strengthen their mental health. Overall, the DEACON project aims to expand knowledge about the neural and psychological basis of emotion regulation and to develop practical applications that promote people`s well-being and resilience.