The place of inner language in feeling: A commentary on “Revisiting the left convexity hypothesis: Changes in the mental apparatus after left dorso-medial prefrontal damage” by Salas & Yuen

Abstract

This paper provides a commentary on the target article by Salas and Yuen, who propose a revision to the “left convexity hypothesis” of Kaplan-Solms and Solms that left lateral prefrontal damage did not cause changes in the mental apparatus. Salas and Yuen provide a theoretical review and detailed clinical description that forms the basis for their argument that left dorso-medial frontal regions may be involved in ego regulation of emotion. In this commentary, the theoretical basis for Salas and Yuen’s argument is considered in light of cognitive and affective neuroscience models of emotion regulation. Whilst this commentary is supportive of Salas’ and Yuen’s position, the models discussed distinguish different roles of inner language associated with labeling and reappraisal, or with distancing or shifting of inner perspective. This clinical, theoretical and empirical extension of Salas and Yuen’s position points the way to further investigation regarding the role and nature of inner language with regard to the experience and regulation of emotion.

Keywords:

• inner language
• prefrontal cortex
• emotion regulation
• affective neuroscience
• default mode network

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.