Arguments And Their Implications For The Brain

Written by Hanaa Saleem

After an argument, I wondered—what makes it so addicting about arguments that makes a person want to keep going? We know that our words will hurt others in times of anger and annoyance. We also know that an escalated argument will yield no positive effects. And yet we still continue. Maybe there are neural implications that weren’t commonly talked about. All I knew though, was that firing back seemed to be very satisfying, leading to supposed dopamine shifts even in the middle of negative emotions. Was it a way of coping?

My research revealed that arguments tend to trigger a complex cascade of responses in the brain with both immediate and potentially long-term implications. When conflict arises, our brains, wired for survival, often perceive it as a threat. This activates the amygdala, the brain's alarm system, which rapidly initiates the “fight, flight, or freeze” response. The reaction essentially floods the body with stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. While beneficial in true danger, this surge can impair higher-level cognitive functions, or the way we think. Blood flow is diverted from the prefrontal cortex, responsible for reasoning, empathy, and impulse control, to prepare muscles for action. This “emotional hijacking” explains why logical conversation often breaks down during arguments.

In a way, it actually was a method of coping; the brain perceives the argument as a threat and firing back was a coping mechanism. This also seemed to explain why we argue back (protecting ourselves) even though it would hurt other people. The body’s first instinct is to protect itself. So the next time you get into an argument, don’t be as harsh on yourself. It’s technically not your fault…

Written by Hanaa Saleem from MEDILOQUY