The links between bodily sensations, emotions, and emotional regulation: Therapeutic applications

Over time, theories of emotions in psychology and neuroscience have swung between centralist and peripheralist perspectives. Modern theories combine these two visions, highlighting the roles of both cognitive processes and bodily sensations in emotional experiences. Experimental research has shown that interoceptive and proprioceptive afferents, which form our bodily awareness, significantly influence our emotional experiences. This has led to the development of body-centered emotional regulation therapies such as Mindful Awareness in Body-oriented Therapy (MABT) and Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT). These therapies encourage improved body awareness to help individuals manage their emotional states by taking greater account of the physiological and affective aspects of their emotions. These therapeutic approaches prove effective in treating psychological disorders. This review aims to provide an overview of the current knowledge on the link between bodily sensations, emotions, and emotional regulation, and to discuss the resulting therapeutic applications. We will also examine theoretical and experimental limitations present in the existing literature, as well as future avenues for experimental research and the development of new therapeutic tools.