Human beings can feel a multitude of emotions. Within these there are some that are considered primary, which depending on the author are five or seven. They are considered primary because they are automatic mood states that fulfill an adaptive function in different situations. Normally these emotions are due to thoughts, memories, desires, situations…
Emotions cause certain changes in our body such as redness or paleness of the face, respiratory and heart rhythms are altered, and visceral movements stop momentarily. Are you wondering What are the primary emotions, their types and their functions?? If so, keep reading Psychology-Online to find out.
What are primary emotions
For an emotion to be considered primary, it must meet a series of requirements:
- Have a neural substrate specific and that differentiates it from the rest. That is, the neurons that intervene are certain.
- That facial expression that represents said emotion is characteristic and distinctive.
- That the feelings underlying the emotion, that is, the thoughts and the way we feel, are characteristic of said emotion.
- Have a evolutionary end and survival.
- Has adaptive functions in a certain situation.
Next we will see what the primary emotions are and their functions. We will explain one by one the primary emotions, the types and what they are for.
Surprise
It is the shortest-lasting primary emotion. Not all authors consider it a primary emotion, since it does not meet all the mentioned requirements. It is an emotional reaction in an unexpected situation, like a surprise party, for example. Its limit in time is determined by the moment in which the next emotion appears. Surprise is considered a neutral emotionthat is, it is neither negative nor positive.
surprise function
Its main function is to make the nervous system adjust to a change unforeseen impact on the environment, thereby eliminating possible interferences that could appear.
Disgust
It was one of the first to be considered a primary emotion and meets all the requirements. It is a rejection reaction to different stimuli, for example to a food that we don’t like or our reaction to a public bathroom. would belong to the group of negative emotions.
Disgust function
It has different functions, the most basic of which is the remove ourselves from potentially harmful situations. In addition, it promotes healthy habits such as personal hygiene. In addition, it has a social function since it inhibits certain reactions that could endanger our social integration.
Fear
This primary emotion is a form ofwarn us that danger is coming for which we may not be prepared. It wakes up after a stimulus that makes us anticipate said danger (for example, a noise at night in our home). It would belong, like disgust, to the group of.
function of fear
Its functions are clearly adaptive. Specifically, it helps the subject carry out some behavior to distance themselves from possible danger, which promotes escape and avoidance behaviors. prevents us from facing dangerous situations. In addition, it helps to act as a group in the face of danger and to establish hierarchies within that group.
Happiness
It is considered a primary positive emotion. It is associated with positive feelings such as pleasure and euphoria and the suppression of negative feelings. There is, therefore, a feeling of calm and well-being.
Function of joy
Its function is adaptive since it promotes the repetition of an activity or behavior due to the sensation of reward it causes as it is a pleasant emotion. Besides, facilitates social union and planning for the future.
Sadness
This primary emotion is in the group of negative emotions. Energy and motivation are decreased and metabolism is reduced and social isolation is increased. arises after the appearance of a harmful situation emotionally.
Function of sadness
It responds to the survival instinct as it alerts us to a harmful situation. Besides, promotes the search for social support.
Gonna
It is a negative emotion which prioritizes sending blood to the hands and legs. Adrenaline levels rise. is associated with the hostility, fury and in the most extreme cases with a pathological and permanent hatred.
function of anger
The preparation of the extremities is intended to be able to defend ourselves against possible danger. That is, it responds to the survival instinct. In some cases, promotes group unity since anger is also developed in order to defend a third party.
Love
Love is another of the primary emotions. If you want to know more about this emotion, in this article you will find.
love function
Its main function is reproductive and the perpetuation of one’s own genes. Currently it fulfills a social and emotional support function.
Circle of primary and secondary emotions
As we have said, there are several theories about emotions and different classifications. Some authors who classify emotions are Daniel Goleman, Paul Ekman and Robert Plutchik.
Below we show with an image this entire variety of reactions and affective states.
Image: Yolanda Cuevas Ayneto
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
If you want to read more articles similar to Primary emotions: what they are, types and functionswe recommend that you enter our category.
Bibliography
- Ekman, P., & Oster, H. (1981). Facial expressions of emotion. Psychological Studies, 2(7), 115-144.
- Izard, C. E. (1991). The psychology of emotions. Springer Science & Business Media.
- Maffía, DH (2005). Knowledge and emotion. Arbor, 181(716), 515-521.