Anger is a very powerful emotion that is characterized by feelings of agitation, hostility, antagonism towards other people, and frustration.
Anger can be helpful when it is expressed constructively. However, if it's excessive or expressed in unhealthy ways, it can easily result in harmful behavior towards oneself and others.
The emotions he identified were: happiness, sadness, disgust, fear, surprise, and anger.
During the '70s, psychologist Paul Ekman identified six basic emotions that he suggested were universally experienced in all human cultures.
It can be triggered due to stress, unmet needs, financial problems, and family issues. It may also be a part of our body’s fight-or-flight response.
Psychologist Robert Plutchik developed a "wheel of emotions," where emotions can be combined to form different feelings, like colors can be mixed to create other shades.
More complex, sometimes mixed emotions, are blends of the more basic ones. For example, basic emotions such as joy and trust can be combined to create love.
According to this theory, the more basic emotions act like building blocks.
Disgust is an emotion triggered by something unpleasant we see, smell, or taste. The disgust response can be triggered by such things as blood, infection, poor hygiene, rot, and death.
The most easily recognizable sign of disgust is the wrinkling of the nose. Vomiting and retching are also common physical responses.
Ekman later expanded his list of basic emotions to include such things as pride, shame, embarrassment, and excitement.
People can also experience moral disgust when they see that others do something they consider immoral, distasteful, or evil.
Fear is triggered by a real or imagined threat or danger. Although it's considered a negative emotion, it serves a vital role by activating our fight-or-flight response and keeping us safe.
Happiness plays a critical societal role, as it signals friendliness and assures that one is not a threat. It motivates one to do good for themselves and the survival of others.
Persistent, intense fear caused by anticipated threats or even our thoughts about potential dangers can be a sign of anxiety disorder. This can be problematic if it interferes with your daily life.
Happiness tends to be the emotion that people strive for the most. It's often defined as a pleasant emotional state that is characterized by feelings of contentment, joy, gratification, satisfaction, and well-being.
Happiness has been linked to a variety of outcomes, including increased longevity and marital satisfaction.
Sadness can be defined as a temporary emotional state characterized by feelings of disinterest, hopelessness, grief, disappointment, and low mood.
The facial expression of fear can be confused with surprise. The muscles become tense, while the heart rate and respiration increase. One's mind also becomes more alert, priming the body to either run, stand still, or fight.
Click on to take a closer look at some of the basic types of emotions and their impact on human behavior.
Although many believe sadness is a negative emotion, it plays a vital role in signaling one’s need for help or comfort.
An emotion is a complex psychological state triggered by stimuli. It is how an individual reacts to significant or impactful situations.
The words are used interchangeably, but psychologists say they are different things. Emotions are short-lived and intense, while moods are long-lasting and usually milder. And feelings are the results of specific emotions.
It can be positive, neutral, or negative, or it can also trigger a fight-or-flight response.
Surprise is a very brief emotion and is characterized by a physiological reaction to something unexpected.
Emotions are important because they have helped humans evolve and survive. Plus, they play a critical role in how we behave. However, they can be destructive if they don’t fit the situation or if they cause a reaction that we don't understand.
Therefore, it’s critical for us to understand our emotions and learn how to manage them.
Sources: (Verywell Mind) (Calmerry)
See also: Are you emotionally intelligent? Here's how to tell
Depending on the trigger, this emotion quickly gives way to anger, happiness, fear, or disgust.
All people can experience this emotion from time to time. However, persistent sadness can be a sign of a mood disorder, which requires assessment by a mental health professional.
There are many different types of emotions that influence how we live and interact with each other. And, sometimes, it may feel like we're ruled by them. Emotions have a strong influence on our daily lives. We make decisions based on whether we are happy, angry, sad, bored, or frustrated.
Psychologists have tried to identify the different types of emotions that people experience, which has led to the development a few different theories to better explain them. So, what are the basic emotions, and how do they affect our behavior? Click on to find out.
The different types of emotions and their effect on human behavior
These are the six types of basic emotions
LIFESTYLE Psychology
There are many different types of emotions that influence how we live and interact with each other. And, sometimes, it may feel like we're ruled by them. Emotions have a strong influence on our daily lives. We make decisions based on whether we are happy, angry, sad, bored, or frustrated.
Psychologists have tried to identify the different types of emotions that people experience, which has led to the development a few different theories to better explain them. So, what are the basic emotions, and how do they affect our behavior? Click on to find out.