Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
5.3 THE ROLE OF SMELL IN THE DANGER SYSTEM
Later in the evolution, we found out that there is an even better indica-
tor for the quality of the food, the smell. Due to the close connection
between smell and danger, the smell recognition is located next to the
danger system. Smell is very important in discovering danger. Even in
our language, we talk about
“
”
We have recently
found out that smell is also very important in our estimation of reli-
ability of other people. We will return to the topic of smell when we
discuss the options of priming via smell in Chapter 9.
smelling danger.
We can smell danger.
5.4 AMBIVALENCE TOWARD SAFETY COSTS AND THE
AVOIDANCE OF UNSAFE SITUATIONS
Ambivalence originates in the construction of the brain. In modern
times, the pain area is also involved in regulating psychological pains.
This area becomes very active when we are being mobbed or socially
excluded. Painkillers that temporarily reduce physical pain also help in
the relief of depression. The pain area is even involved when we experi-
ence symbolic pains like high financial costs. It protests heavily if we
are going to spend a small fortune on something. We all know the say-
ing
meaning that we feel pain if we spend a lot
of money. In an MRI scanner, we indeed can see the pain area becom-
ing very active in moments when somebody makes a decision involving
a certain amount of money. The higher the perceived cost, the stronger
the activity in this part of the brain.
“
it hurts in my wallet,
”
Due to the involvement of physical and symbolical pain, the pain
system has to master addressing continuous dilemmas. Its task is to
find a balance between avoiding pain and avoiding costs. Applying
this knowledge to safety behavior, the pain system promotes a cer-
tain number of safety measures, but also protests if these extra
efforts are perceived as costly. In other words, the pain system pro-
tests when a planned approach involves high-risk behavior and
might damage the body or create injuries or pain. But the same pain
system will also protest if a safer approach costs more in time, phys-
ical effort (precautions, procedures), or mental effort (checking plans
and assumptions).
