Basic Emotions: Why Should I Learn to Identify Them?

Basic Emotions: Why Should I Learn to Identify Them?
Photo by Daniele Levis Pelusi / Unsplash

What are emotions?

Emotions are complex psychological and physiological responses to various stimuli, situations, or thoughts. In other words, it’s our automatic reaction to events. We don’t choose to feel them. They arise spontaneously based on evolution, our personal history, and experience. Your emotions don’t lie. They are universal for all humankind, no matter your nation, language, culture, background, or upbringing.

How many emotions are there?

There are a variety of different emotions, but most experts agree on the theory of 6 Basic or Universal emotions, which are:

Why do we need them?

Universal emotions are the basis of more complex emotional experiences, like feelings and moods. They serve critical evolutionary purposes by helping individuals respond quickly to various situations and adapt to their environment. Additionally, they play a crucial role in social interactions, allowing people to communicate and understand each other's feelings and intentions.