The 6 Types of Basic Emotions and Their Effect on Human Behavior
There are many different types of emotions that have an influence on how we live and interact with others. At times, it may seem like we are ruled by these emotions. The choices we make, the actions we take, and the perceptions we have are all influenced by the emotions we are experiencing at any given moment.
Sadness
Sadness is another type of emotion often defined as a transient emotional state characterized by feelings of disappointment, grief, hopelessness, disinterest, and dampened the mood.
Like other emotions, sadness is something that all people experience from time to time. In some cases, people can experience prolonged and severe periods of sadness that can turn into depression.
Sadness can be expressed in a number of ways including:
- Lethargy
- Withdrawal from others
- Crying
- Dampened mood
- Quietness
Of all the different types of emotions, happiness tends to be the one that people strive for the most. Happiness is often defined as a pleasant emotional state that is characterized by feelings of contentment, joy, gratification, satisfaction, and well-being.
Fear
Fear is a powerful emotion that can also play a significant role in survival. When you face some sort of danger and experience fear, you go through what is known as the fight or flight response. Your muscles become tense, your heart rate and respiration raise, and your mind become more alert, priming your body to either run from the danger or stand and fight.
Disgust
Disgust can be displayed in a number of ways including:
- Facial expressions such as wrinkling the nose and curling the upper lip
- Turning away from the object of disgust
- Physical reactions such as vomiting or retching
Anger
Anger can be a particularly powerful emotion characterized by feelings of hostility, agitation, frustration, and antagonism towards others. Like fear, anger can play a part in your body’s fight or flight response. When a threat generates feelings of anger, you may be inclined to fend off the danger and protect yourself.
This type of emotion can be positive, negative, or neutral. An unpleasant surprise, for example, might involve someone jumping out from behind a tree and scaring you as you walk to your car at night. An example of a pleasant surprise would be arriving home to find that your closest friends have gathered to celebrate your birthday.
