Theories are set of assumptions and ideas that formulate results. Many psychologists have contributed incredible theories on emotions.
In this blog, we will discuss some of the expert theories on emotions.
Paul Ekman Theory (1972)
Paul Ekman’s theory is based on the six basic emotions of the human mind. These emotions include fear, disgust, anger, surprise, happiness and sadness. According to Ekman, these emotions are innate and shared by everyone, accompanied by universal facial expressions across cultures.
Six Emotions of Paul:
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Fear
Fear, though considered a negative emotion, plays a crucial role in the human body’s survival mechanism. For instance, if you’re running late for work and suddenly slow down your car to save a child, the fear of hurting someone and the fear of being late for work activate the survival mechanism. This experience prompts individuals to leave earlier for work and maintain a balanced speed while driving.
Note: In fear, people become more cautious and never overpower the negative emotions in situations.
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Disgust
The sensory nervous system sends signals to the brain, helping individuals respond appropriately to situations or stimuli. For example, when eating street food, the overall hygiene and ambience contribute to satisfaction, but lack of proper hygiene around street food triggers disgust.
- Anger
Anger is the most common emotion that always stands at the brain’s threshold. This emotion affects the decision-making of the human and always ends up with a wrong decision. Common factors that increase anger are hunger, disobedience and unfavourable conditions.
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Surprise
Adrenaline, released as a stress response, can lead to surprise when elevated. Surprise can have positive or negative effects. Positive surprises bring joy, while negative surprises may lead to anger.
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Happiness
Happiness is one of the most positive emotions, spreading positivity through thoughts, words, and actions. It reduces stress and has beneficial effects on health, such as reducing the risk of heart attacks and alleviating body pain.
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Sadness
Sadness is another common emotion experienced by human beings. People cope with sadness in various ways, such as listening to music, reading books, walking, or talking to someone.
Robert Plutick Theory (1980)
Robert Plutick’s theory suggests that all emotions are interconnected, not only within humans but also across species. He proposed eight emotions: anger, fear, sadness, joy, disgust, surprise, anticipation, and faith. The first six have already been discussed.
In conclusion, several psychologists have given their theories on emotions. Paul Ekman’s theory identifies six basic human emotions that are innate and accompanied by universal facial expressions across cultures. Robert Plutick’s theory suggests that emotions are interconnected across species. Emotions play a significant role in our lives, affecting our thoughts, decisions, and actions. Understanding emotions and their impact on our lives is essential for our well-being.
