These findings suggest that we may use specific words to describe specific emotions, but that emotions may not be discrete things. They note that emotions don't have specific locations in the brain, multiple emotions tend to arise at the same time, and there are many blends of emotions. Other emotion theorists have argued that emotions are not discrete things. This theory suggests that emotions are separate, discrete things that we developed from having to deal with fundamental life tasks like running away from a predator (Ekman, 1999).Īccording to the discrete theory of emotion, there are 5-6 basic emotions and all other emotions are just varying shades or combinations of these basic emotions. The most well-known of these theories is the discrete theory of emotion. There are a few theories of emotion that help us understand what emotions are and how emotions may relate to each other. But let's keep exploring it because emotion is such an important part of life and well-being. But we can also feel emotions-for example, we may feel upset, angry, or sad.Īll of this makes emotion a very complex thing to talk about and understand. For example, we might say we're feeling hungry, feeling tired, or feeling itchy even though these are not emotions. Feelings include both emotional experiences and physical sensations. We also tend to use the word 'feeling' interchangeably with emotion, even though feelings and emotions are not the same things. For example, words like brooding, resentful, or disturbed are probably a combination of thoughts and emotions. Similarly, many of the words we use to describe our experiences are a mixture of thoughts and emotions. Many emotions work this way in that they would not exist if not for the thoughts that created them. For example, we can't experience an emotion like regret without evaluating something that we've done (i.e., thinking about it) and judging it to be bad or the wrong thing. Of course, thoughts and emotions are different things but they overlap both in terms of experience and in the ways that we talk about them. Of course, emotions can contribute to moods and moods can contribute to emotions. But if we say, "I'm sad that Mark didn't show up to dinner," we're referring to an emotion. So if we said, "I'm feeling down", that's referring to a mood. In this case, we may experience fear and it causes us to retreat.Įmotions differ from moods in that emotions typically last minutes to seconds whereas moods can last hours or days. For example, they prepare us to respond to a perceived or real environmental stimulus (e.g., being chased by a mountain lion or being rejected by a friend). Nevertheless, most seem to agree that emotions are functional. But emotion theorists largely disagree on the definition of what an emotion is. Emotions may also exist on a continuum from pleasure to displeasure. One might say that emotions are biological states that come about as a result of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Emotions are defined in various ways depending on who you ask (Gendron, 2010).
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