The Emotional System in the Natural World and in the Human Family

Presenter: Anne McKnight

This presentation addresses a concept, the emotional system, as central to the understanding of human functioning as well as other living species in the natural world.  The human family adapts to the challenges it faces as do other species through the co-regulation of the individual’s behavior with the demands and pressures of the group. In the lecture, studies on the behavior of bees, chimpanzees, and a forest ecosystem as systems will be discussed. Research on the emotional system of a family, as viewed through the multigenerational patterns of handling stress and anxiety, will also be presented with the concept of differentiation of self as a uniquely human capacity.