What We Know About E-M-O-T-I-O-N-S
According to American Psychologist Robert Plutchik, humans have 8 primary emotions to grapple with. The theory is that we are born with these 8 emotions wired in our brains. The Wheel of Emotions.
It’s the wiring and, of course, the emotions that cause our bodies and minds to react in certain ways [crazy-bitch-mode, for example]. It also causes us to have certain urges (like screaming) when these emotions rise up.
Here are the Primary 8, with examples of related bodily reactions:
Anger: fury, outrage, wrath, irritability, hostility, resentment and violence.
Sadness: grief, sorrow, gloom, melancholy, despair, loneliness, and depression.
Fear: anxiety, apprehension, nervousness, dread, fright, and panic.
Joy: enjoyment, happiness, relief, bliss, delight, pride, thrill, and ecstasy.
Interest: acceptance, friendliness, trust, kindness, affection, love, and devotion.
Surprise: shock, astonishment, amazement, astound, and wonder.
Disgust: contempt, disdain, scorn, aversion, distaste, and revulsion.
Shame: guilt, embarrassment, chagrin, remorse, regret, and contrition.
The theory states that other emotions and their subsequent bodily reactions are created with a combination of the primary, or basic, 8 emotions. The Pu-Pu Platter of emotions, I guess. ;)
Supposedly, our secondary emotions are reactions to a primary emotion. Wait. What? REWIND.
Supposedly, our secondary emotions are reactions to a primary emotion.
Okay -- stay with me.
Someone who becomes angry (Primary) may feel fear (another Primary) perhaps because this person was once severely punished for their anger in the past.
In case you’re not confused enough, here’s another example for you: One may feel shame and then feel angry about that shame.
Again, two of the Primary 8s working together to ruin our lives.
What does this mean, and more importantly, why does it matter?
Generally, unless you are a very disciplined Buddhist Monk, emotions drive us. There are many emotions that are not innately wired into our brains, but that are learned.
There are things that are learned from our cultures, families, and the groups with which we choose to associate, and these include our responses to uncomfortable topics, such as grief.
The key is to understand emotions and reactions and try to pin-point why the reaction is happening (especially if it’s violence) and get help to change those patterns.