Predictive codes of interoception, emotion, and the self

Alejandra Sel

doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00189

Abstract

Interoception is the ability to perceive and integrate physiological signals from within the body. It is closely related to the autonomic system and is a key component in the generation of affective states and abstract representations of the self (Critchley et al., 2004; Ainley and Tsakiris, 2013). Seth proposes a predictive coding (PC) model of interoception that involves a free-energy based explanation of emotion awareness and selfhood. In this model, emotions, and in turn the sense of self, rely on predictions of the causes of interoceptive signals. Within this framework, the interoceptive system minimizes free-energy, or the discrepancy between predictions and interoceptive signals. Free-energy can be minimized either by updating predictions about the causes of the sensory signals (perceptual updating), or by acting to change autonomic states such that bodily states are more predictable (active inference).

Highlights

Edited by: Alexander Jones, Middlesex University London, UK Reviewed by: Matthew Apps, University of Oxford, UK
It is closely related to the autonomic system and is a key component in the generation of affective states and abstract representations of the self (Critchley et al, 2004; Ainley and Tsakiris, 2013)
The basic idea of predictive coding (PC) in the cognitive sciences began with the notion of neural energy (Helmholtz, 1860) and it has been present since in the form of theoretical proposals and empirical findings, especially in the visual domain (Lee and Mumford, 2003)

Summary

Introduction

Edited by: Alexander Jones, Middlesex University London, UK Reviewed by: Matthew Apps, University of Oxford, UK. Seth proposes a predictive coding (PC) model of interoception that involves a free-energy based explanation of emotion awareness and selfhood. Emotions, and in turn the sense of self, rely on predictions of the causes of interoceptive signals.

Results

Conclusion