We are always of two minds, but which has the greatest influence on us--the rational or the emotional?

There are two mental processes that represent our thinking: the rational and the emotional mind. The rational thinking system is driven by detached observation, logic, assessment, and reasoning while the emotional thinking system is driven by an immediate feeling response, such as compassion. But which has the greatest influence on us?

Although we might think we're being influenced by only one type of thinking at any given time, studies show we are equally controlled by both. However, if problem-solving is too complex or information is incomplete, the rational mind becomes overworked and overwhelmed making it difficult to make decisions or solve problems. So when in doubt, our emotional brain takes charge and we make decisions based on emotional responses.

The emotional system enables us to respond quickly, even if it means trouble, while the rational system allows us to use logic and reason. The National Institutes of Health explains how complex our emotional system can be. Our emotional responses are immediate, but the rational thinking system causes us to step back and analyze the situation. When our two ways of responding are in balance, our emotional responses become more regulated and analytical.


A Toastmasters online resource provides the following explanation of how emotional and rational thinking processes work:

We are persuaded by reason, but we are moved by emotion. Several studies conclude that up to 90 percent of the decisions we make are based on emotion....

Emotional reactions and logical thinking go hand in hand when it comes to problem-solving, but when the problem requires too much rational thought, emotions win 90 percent of the time. This means, if there are too many factors involved or if the situation is too complicated, an emotional response will prevail over logical thinking. 

We need both types of thinking, rational and emotional, but we need to be aware of how the brain works when we are overwhelmed. If we trust the workings of our brain, very often, the emotional or intuitive response is the best response. 
           
(c) updated:  mhjohnson (2017)
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1201429/.
http://www.westsidetoastmasters.com. From "The Influence of Emotional Subject Matter on Logical Reading," Journal of General Psychology 34 (1946): 127-151.