Feeling the Heat: A Thermodynamic Perspective on Emotions, Motivation, and Time Perception

We are introducing a novel thermodynamic model of emotion. In this model, emotions are regarded as deviations from equilibrium, akin to fluctuations in body temperature. This bipolar regulation maintains bodily and psychological homeostasis while spurring mental development. Emotional regulation typically occurs through expanding one's perception of time. Positive, low-information content emotions can reduce action drive, but stressful, information-rich conditions can heighten it. Therefore, time perception can potentiate the capacity of emotions to motivate. However, time perception accelerates to facilitate fluid action performance, with the state of flow representing a unique state of contentment and challenge. By anchoring psychological processes to the principles of energy and entropy, our model offers a comprehensive bipolar foundation for understanding motivation and behavior. Beyond its theoretical implications, this model also lays the groundwork for addressing mental health conditions resulting from the dysregulation of emotions. It can inspire potential interventions to harness the mind-body connections elucidated by our thermodynamic perspective.