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Types of Emotions and Their Effect on Human Behaviour

The topic of emotion is a very complex and vast matter. There are many different types of emotions that influence us and at times, it may seem like we are ruled by them. The choices we make, the actions we take, and the perceptions we have are all influenced by emotions we experience at that moment. Read on to know about some of the basic types of emotions and explore the impact they have on human behavior.

Types of Emotions

There are 6 basic types of emotions. This includes:

1. Happiness

2. Sadness

3. Disgust

4. Fear

5. Surprise

6. Anger

1. Happiness

It is a pleasant emotional state that is characterized by feelings of contentment, joy, gratification, satisfaction, and well-being. This type of emotion is sometimes expressed through facial expressions, body language and tone of voice.

While happiness is considered one of the basic human emotions, the things we think will create happiness tend to be heavily influenced by culture around us.

Effect on Human Behaviour

Happiness plays a role in both physical and mental health. It has been linked to a variety of outcomes including

• Increased longevity

• Increased marital satisfaction

Conversely, unhappiness which can result in stress, depression, loneliness, and anxiety have been linked to

• Lowered immunity

• Increased inflammation

• Decreased life expectancy

2. Sadness

It is a transient emotional state characterized by feelings of disappointment, grief, hopelessness, disinterest, and dampened mood. All people experience sadness from time to time but sometimes prolonged and severe periods of sadness can turn into depression.

Effect on Human Behaviour

This includes -

• Avoiding people

• Self-medicating

• Dwelling on negative thoughts

• Dampened Mood

• Lethargy

• Quietness

• Crying

3. Disgust

This is a sense of revulsion can originate from a number of things, including an unpleasant taste, sight, or smell and can be displayed in number of ways.

Effect on Human Behaviour

This includes -

• Turning away from the object of disgust

• Exhibit physical reactions such as vomiting or retching

• Show facial expressions such as wrinkling the nose and curling the upper lip

4. Fear

This is a powerful emotion that can also play an important role in survival. It is the emotional response to an immediate threat.

Effect on Human Behaviour

This includes -

• Tenseness of muscles

• Rapid breathing and heartbeat

• Widening of eyes

• More alertness

5. Surprise

This type of emotion is usually quite brief and is characterized by a physiological startle response following something unexpected. This type of emotion can be positive, negative, or neutral.

Effect on Human Behaviour

This includes -

• Startled feeling

• Yelling, screaming, or gasping

• May experience adrenaline rush that helps prepare the body to either fight or flee

6. Anger

Like fear, anger can play a part in your body's fight or flight response. It is as powerful emotion characterized by feelings of hostility, agitation, frustration, and antagonism towards others.

This type of emotion can have both mental and physical consequences, and it has been linked to coronary heart diseases and diabetes.

Effect on Human Behaviour

This includes -

• Frowning

• Aggressive, abusive or violent towards others

• Hitting, kicking or throwing objects

• Experiencing difficulty to make rationale life decisions

• Increased alcohol consumption and smoking

Conclusion

Emotions play a critical role in how we live our lives, from influencing how we engage with others in our day to day lives to affecting the decisions we make. By understanding some of the different types of emotions, you can gain a deeper understanding of how these emotions are expressed and the impact they have on your behavior.

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Source: Verywellmind, Serenitymindcare

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kindly contact your Doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.

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Published on January 12, 2023