Question

Explain the basic emotion:

1. Happiness
2. Sadness
3. Disgust
4. Surprise

Explain the basic emotions given by Paul Ekman - 

Points:

1. Happiness
2. Sadness
3. Anger
4. Fear

Answer 1

Emotions can be defined as a combination of bodily arousal, expressive behaviour, thoughts, and feelings. Paul Ekman has suggested six basic emotions.

1. Happiness: Happiness is the most positive emotion that we all experience and it is also associated with satisfaction, contentment, and joy. It is closely associated with psychological well-being, health, and longevity.
2. Sadness: Sadness is characterized by some other related feelings like disappointment, grief and hopelessness. Even though it’s very normal and natural to be sad at times, prolonged sadness can turn into depression. Of course there are some coping strategies to deal with our sadness, which will make us more emotionally stable.
3. Disgust: Disgust evolved as a reaction to foods that might be harmful or fatal. So generally, disgust is a reaction given to the taste or smell that has gone bad. However, some other unwanted situations may also give rise to disgust. e.g. People may experience moral disgust when they observe others engaging in immoral behaviour.
4. Surprise: Surprise is associated with a physiological state of response after some unexpected event. Surprise can be positive, as in the case of Ashmeet, but it can be negative or neutral also. Surprise can sometimes increase your adrenaline, which will further prepare your body for the fight or flight response.
5. Anger: Anger is a very powerful emotion that includes hostility, agitation and frustration. Anger is often displayed through facial expressions, body language, tone of voice and aggressive behavior. Anger is a two-sided sword which can be good as well as bad.
6. Fear: Fear is a powerful emotion which is closely related to our survival from the evolutionary point of view. Fear is also associated with a fight or flight response because fear could indicate a threat.