Final answer:
The amygdala, part of the limbic system, is linked to the processing of positive emotions and plays a significant role in forming emotional memories, fear processing, and is associated with various mood and anxiety disorders.
Step-by-step explanation:
The area of the brain that has been linked to the processing of positive emotions is the amygdala, which is a part of the limbic system. The amygdala plays a key role in processing emotional information and has been the focus of much research, particularly concerning emotions such as fear and anxiety. Additionally, the hippocampus, another component of the limbic system, contributes to emotional processing by integrating emotional experiences with cognition.
Notably, the amygdala's involvement in fear has been illuminated by researchers like Joseph LeDoux, who demonstrated that the amygdala is primary in fear processing, with certain emotional responses bypassing higher cognitive processing. Moreover, it is involved in forming emotional memories and has been linked to various mood and anxiety disorders. Neuroimaging studies, such as those employing PET scans, show that areas like the prefrontal cortex also play a role in emotional processing, further highlighting the complexity of brain regions responsible for our emotional life.