We like to think of ourselves as rational. Facts, consideration, reason – that’s how we imagine the decision-making process. But the reality is different: in most cases, it is not the mind alone that makes the decision, but our feelings. Neuroscience clearly shows that emotions are not a disruptive factor – they are essential to making smart decisions.
A key concept here is the so-called “Somatic Marker Hypothesis”. It explains how physical reactions and emotional experiences shape our thinking – often without us consciously realizing it.
What are somatic markers?
The Somatic Marker Hypothesis was developed by neuroscientist Antonio Damasio. It states that when we make a decision, our brain recalls previous experiences – and links them to physical (somatic) reactions.
Example: You are thinking about taking on a project at short notice. You immediately feel a sinking feeling in your stomach, remember a similar stressful phase – and hesitate. This gut feeling is no coincidence, but a somatic marker: a stored bodily reaction that unconsciously warns or guides you.
Such markers develop over the course of a lifetime – through successes, mistakes and experiences – and help the brain make faster and more appropriate decisions.
Emotions as a decision-making aid – not a disruptive factor
For a long time, emotions were considered irrational in decision-making. But studies show: people with damage to the emotional centers of the brain (e.g. in the amygdala or the ventromedial prefrontal cortex) can think logically – but can no longer make good decisions.
Why is that? Because they lack the emotional feedback that normally signals: this option feels right – that one doesn’t.
Emotions filter information, prioritize options and help us choose a direction from the mass of data. Without them, we would be disoriented.
Where this becomes important in everyday life
Whether at work or in our private lives, emotional processes constantly influence decisions:
- When choosing between two job offers
- When dealing with conflicts or changes
- In stressful situations under time pressure
- When making long-term life decisions
- Even when shopping or in conversations with colleagues
Our body often gives early signals, even before we have consciously realized something. Those who recognize these signals often make more coherent decisions – because head and gut are in harmony.
Emotions + reflection = good decisions
Of course, this does not mean that every emotional reaction is correct. Some somatic markers are distorted – e.g. by old fears, previous negative experiences or stress. The following therefore applies: take feelings seriously – but examine them with a clear view.
Good decisions are made when we:
- Consciously perceive our own emotional state (“What is this triggering in me right now?”)
- Question emotionally colored preconceptions (“Am I reacting to the present – or to something from the past?”)
- Combine reason and emotion (“What does my gut say? And how does this fit with the facts?”)
Incidentally, this is also helpful in leadership and collaboration – especially with complex topics, personnel issues or innovation processes.
How you can make better use of your somatic markers
- Practice mindfulness: Those who regularly tune into themselves recognize physical signals more quickly – and can interpret them better.
- Don’t force decisions: If things are unclear, taking a short break often helps – the body continues to process in peace.
- Consciously reflect on experiences: What felt coherent in the past? What reactions have guided you?
- Use emotions as an indication, not as the truth: A bad feeling is not automatically a warning signal – but an impulse to take a closer look.
- Incorporate a change of perspective: What would a neutral observer advise? Or: what would I advise a good friend in this situation?
Conclusion: emotions are smarter than we think
Decisions are rarely purely rational – and that’s a good thing. Feelings, bodily reactions and intuitive impulses help us react quickly and appropriately in complex situations. Neuroscience shows: when we learn to recognize our somatic markers and combine them with clear thinking, we make better, more humane and often more sustainable decisions.
So: listen to your gut feeling more often – it has more experience than you think.
- Dunn BD, Dalgleish T, Lawrence AD. The somatic marker hypothesis: a critical evaluation. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2006;30(2):239-71. doi: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2005.07.001. Epub 2005 Sep 27. PMID: 16197997.
- Ciaramelli E, Muccioli M, Làdavas E, di Pellegrino G. Selective deficit in personal moral judgment following damage to ventromedial prefrontal cortex. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci. 2007 Jun;2(2):84-92. doi: 10.1093/scan/nsm001. PMID: 18985127; PMCID: PMC2555449.