Unveiling the Complexity of Emotions: The Psychology Behind Feelings

Without emotions, wellness doesn’t exist; at least as we know wellness. The highest reward of living right is a felt experience of joy, not something fleeting but the encompassing warmth—a sense of wellness. Emotions are the center pieces of our existence, motivating, and providing richness to our lives. The psychology of emotion is psychological research focused on understanding how we feel, regulate, and share emotion and how these processes relate to wellbeing.

Emotions are a vital contributor to conscious experience. Yet, emotions are more complex than passing feelings. Emotions are an integrated coupling of feeling affect and conscious interpretation in response to experience.

What are Emotions?

​Daniel Goleman, a brain and science journalist, wrote in his best selling book Emotional Intelligence that, “​A view of human nature that ignores the power of emotions is sadly shortsighted” (Goleman, 2005).

Goleman explains that when boiled down to the simplest element, emotions are “impulses to act.” Emotions are a biological reaction to experience. Incoming data from our senses interact with our biological being. Our system leaps, pulls back, or freezes in response. Susan David, a psychologist and faculty member at Harvard Medical School, describes emotions as “a neurochemical system that evolved to help us navigate life’s complex currents” (David, 2016).

Emotion initiates adaptive response to changes in the environment. Our biological system is shocked by changes in our homeostatic balance and we adjust behavior to regain the balance.

Emotions and Feelings

In science, research demands a breaking down of complexity for inspection of individual components. Emotional processes have undergone the same manipulations. The components then take on a life of their own, with disregard to the very defined role the single element plays in the much larger and complex system.

When writers, philosophers, or friends refer to emotion, often they a referring to a single element of emotion. As listeners (or researchers), we must continuously watch for these slights of hand that (unintentionally) misinform.

​Gabor Maté, M.D, a Hungarian-Canadian physician and renowned expert on trauma, addiction, stress and childhood development, wrote that emotion is “a concept we often invoke without a precise sense of its meaning.”  Maté posits that emotions have “several components” (Maté, 2008).

The Flow of Life Energy

A common diction of elements in the emotional process is between feelings and emotions. Feeling (or feeling affect) is described as the bodily reaction to information flowing from the environment; and emotion is when the feeling affect breaks through awareness and we incorporate the feeling into cognitive thought. We give it context and a label. “I’m mad.”

However, even among the experts in the field, I have found different definitions for emotion and feeling. For instance, Antonio Damasio, a neuroscientists and neurologist, serving as a director at the University of Southern California’s brain research institute refers to the biological reactions as emotions and the awareness of the emotions as feeling.

He writes:

“The process does not stop with the bodily changes that define an emotion, however, the cycle continues, certainly in humans, and its next step is the feeling of the emotion in connection to the object that excited it, the realization of the nexus between object and emotional body state” (Damasio, 2005).

For the most part, Damasio refers to emotions and feelings together—as in “emotion/feeling” states or processes.

Three Categories of Emotion

Ross Buck, a Professor of Communication and Psychology at the University of Connecticut divides the emotion—feeling continuum into three distinct categories (Emotions I, Emotions II, and Emotion III). He defines the differences by the level of conscious awareness of the emotion.

• Emotion I is the biological bodily responses.
• Emotion II is facial and vocal changes observable by others.
• Emotion III is the self-awareness of felt experience (Maté, 2008).

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For clarity, my writing refers to “feeling” (or feeling affect) as the biological reactions and “emotions” as the awareness and our personal cognitive definition of the felt experience.

Theories of Emotion

Because emotions is an essential and fundamental part of psychology research and practice, there are many theories about emotions. The two basic theories, which most other theories fall under, are the evolutionary (biological) explanation of emotion, and the social construction of emotion.

For a more complete list of theories on emotion see Theories of Emotions

Social Construction of Emotion

Lisa Barrett’s work and research enlightens much of the process between feeling affect and emotion.

She wrote:

“Your familiar emotion concepts are built-in only because you grew up in a particular social context where those emotion concepts are meaningful and useful, and your brain applies them outside your awareness to construct your experiences. Heart rate changes are inevitable; their emotional meaning is not” (Barrett, 2018, p. 33).

The familiar lists of emotions are not perfectly defined biological events. Neurons fire, we feel, we examine context, pull from past, and stumble on a meaning.

Barrett says that emotions are more categories of emotional instances than biologically defined experiences. “We must consider that an emotion word, like ‘anger,’ does not refer to a specific response with a unique physical fingerprint but to a group of highly variable instances that are tied to specific situations. What we colloquially call emotions, such as anger, fear, and happiness, are better thought of as emotion categories, because each is a collection of diverse instances” (p. 23).

Feeling Affect

As a child, I was raised in a strict religious family. I was taught that god answered prayers through feelings. If we asked and it was right, we would feel a “burning in our bosom.” I jokingly remarked, “I thought god answered my prayer but it was just heart burn from the pot roast.”

I didn’t realize it at the time, but my cute remark was amazingly perceptive. Feeling affect is a reactionary response to a perceived danger or a prayer. Lisa Feldman Barrett, Ph.D., one of the most cited scientist in the world for her revolutionary work in psychology and neuroscience defines affect as “the general sense of feeling that comes from your body” (Barrett, 2020). Feeling affect can be pleasant or unpleasant, caused by loving acceptance or—the pot roast.

The Difference Between Feeling Affect and Emotion

Barrett (2020) explains, “Affect is not emotion; your brain produces affect all the time, whether you’re emotional or not and whether you notice it or not.” She continues with her definition, “affect is the source of all your joys and sorrows. It makes some things profound or sacred to you and other things trivial or vile.”

Susan David describes feeling affects as:

“The body’s immediate physical responses to important signals from the outside world. When our senses pick up information—signs of danger, hints of romantic interest, cues that we’re being accepted or excluded by our peers—we physically adjust to these incoming messages. Our hearts beat faster or slower, our muscles tighten or relax, our mental focus locks onto the threat or eases into the warmth of trusted companionship” (David, 2016).

Awareness of the Feeling

Robert M. Sapolsky, a professor of biology and neurology at Stanford University, wrote that “interoceptive information influences, if not determines, our emotions.” However, he then adds that words powerfully impact the process. He describes “sensory information streaming toward your brain from both the outside world and your body can rapidly, powerfully, and automatically alter behavior” (Sapolsky, 2018). 

Words are a powerful primer that frame sensory experience. Moreover, others often pre-orient our minds to define what we experience. However, our previous experiences can also serve as a primer for defining a feeling. “Words have power. They can save, cure, uplift, devastate, deflate, and kill. And unconscious priming with words influences pro- and antisocial behaviors” (Sapolsky, 2018).

Our culture, family, and friends prime our minds to define feeling affects. A child told that certain feelings are communications from god, quickly transforms the identified feeling affects as sacred and reacts accordingly.

Feeling Affects and Past Experience

Contrary to pop psychology, feeling affects are not pure. Many of our feeling reactions are learned. Dangers from the past intrude on the present—sometimes appropriate other times misguided. Yet, whether appropriate or not, the feeling affect is poignant and real, demanding an explanation and a label. Susan David explains that emotions “dredge up old business, confusing our perception of what’s happening in the moment with painful past experiences” (David, 2016).

​Our capacity to define affect is hampered by the complexity creating feeling.

Diana Fosha, Ph.D., a practicing psychotherapist in New York city explains:

“Biological and psychological, innate and learned, sensory and motor, information-processing and meaning-generating, experiential and expressive strands of experience all join in influencing how affect is construed and how it operates” (Fosha, 2000).

See Emotion Differentiation for more on this theory

Evolution and Biology Explanation for Emotion

According to this camp of theorists, emotion is a biologically determined event. They argue that babies are born with the innate ability to express emotion. Accordingly, basic emotions are identical across cultures. In support of some biological basis for emotion, researchers discovered that, “Congenitally blind young children, who have never seen a frown or a smile, express a range of spontaneous facial emotions that are almost identical to those of the sighted.” Leonard Mlodinow explains that “our catalog of facial expressions seems to be standard equipment—it comes with the basic model” (Mlodinow, 2013).

Evolutionary psychiatrist Randolph Nesse explains that emotions are “specialized states that adjust physiology, cognition, subjective experience, facial expressions, and behavior in ways that increase the ability to meet the adaptive challenges of situations that have recurred over the evolutionary history of a species” (Nesse, 2019).

Basic Emotions in the Psychology of Emotions

While we all subjectively experience emotions and define them according to cultural learning, there are basic emotional groupings. While philosophers and scientist may argue over how many basic groups and which emotions to include or exclude, a few emotional groupings in the psychology of emotion regularly top most lists.

The six basic emotions are: fear, happiness, disgust, angry, sad, and surprised. Again, this is an arbitrary list, some emotions may be added, others may be taken out. There isn’t a biological fingerprint that determines a basic emotion. All lists are subjective interpretations for including one emotion and dismissing another.

Fear (Scared)

Fear is a survival reaction to threat. Our body biologically responds to threats through a fight or flight (or freeze) response. The heart rate quickens, muscles tighten, and attention narrows to focus on the threat. 

Happy

​Happiness is often defined as a pleasant emotional state, characterized by feelings of contentment and joy. Happiness is an approach emotion. When feeling incidents of happiness, we feel secure and are more likely to engage in opportunities. Happiness is one of the most sought after emotions. 

Sad

In the psychology of emotion, we characterize sadness by feelings of disappointment, grief, hopelessness, and disinterest. Accordingly, we often associate sadness with loss of something meaningful. Sadness signals to the body to pull back and disengage.

Mad (Angry)

Anger is a powerful emotion that can protect or destroy. Anger is often characterized by feelings of hostility and frustration. Generally, anger is a reaction to unfairness. When our rights are perceived to be violated, we often respond with anger.

Surprise

Surprise is a physiological startle response to unexpected events. Our system needs a moment to reorient to surrounding events to determine a response.

Disgust

A sense of revulsion to unsavory sights, smells, and tastes. Disgust also applies to reaction to people we despise. Disgust is a protective reaction to avoid toxicity.

See Basic Emotions for more on this topic

Emotional Intelligence

Basically, emotional intelligence, often referred to as EQ (emotional quotient), is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage one’s own emotions, as well as to recognize, understand, and influence the emotions of others. It involves empathy, self-awareness, self-regulation, social skills, and motivation. Markedly, developing emotional intelligence can lead to improved interpersonal relationships, effective communication, and better decision-making.

All these emotions can play a part in a flourishing life—if we properly integrate them into healthy action. A constant player in the psychology of emotion is the concept of Emotional Intelligence. Healthy integration of emotions into our lives is the essence of emotional intelligence. In 1990, Peter Salovey and John D. Mayer presented the emotional intelligence model. Emotional intelligence encompasses other popular topics on emotion such as self and emotional regulation. Salovey and Mayer divided emotional intelligence into five domains (Salovey & Mayer, 1990).

See Emotional Intelligence for more on this key concept

Self-Awareness

At a very basic level, emotional intelligence begins with the awareness of feelings. Our moment-to-moment experiences are dynamic and fluid, as emotions ebb and flow through our bodies, activating organs and causing muscles to tighten or relax in response to various stimuli. This intricate dance of emotion is not always within our conscious awareness; often, it operates beneath the surface of our consciousness. The ability to skillfully identify and acknowledge these emotions is crucial for effectively navigating our daily lives. When we recognize what we are feeling—whether it’s joy, sadness, anger, or anxiety—we equip ourselves with the knowledge necessary to understand how these emotions influence our choices and interactions.

Moreover, being aware of our emotional state allows us to predict the impact that each emotion will have on aspects such as tone of voice, behavior patterns, and overall perceptions of situations around us. For instance, when we feel anxious about an upcoming presentation at work, this awareness can help us manage those feelings more effectively by employing coping strategies like deep breathing or positive visualization techniques.

By fostering this self-awareness within ourselves—and understanding how emotions color our experiences—we can enhance our emotional intelligence significantly. This not only leads to improved relationships but also empowers us to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively in emotionally charged situations.

See Mindfulness for more on this topic

Emotional Regulation

Emotions carry important messages that serve as signals about our internal states and external environments. They can alert us to potential dangers, highlight opportunities for connection, or indicate when something is amiss. However, responding impulsively to these emotional signals does not always align with the context of a given situation. For instance, feeling anger in response to criticism might be a natural reaction, but allowing that anger to dictate our response could lead to conflict or misunderstandings. This misalignment between emotion and context underscores the importance of emotional intelligence—an ability that involves critically assessing the message conveyed by our emotions within the framework of present circumstances.

Developing this skill requires consistent practice, self-reflection, and a willingness to engage with one’s emotions thoughtfully rather than reactively. Emotional intelligence encourages us to pause and consider how we can respond effectively based on both our feelings and the situational dynamics at play. By weighing the significance of an emotional message against current realities—such as understanding others’ perspectives or recognizing appropriate behavioral responses—we enhance our capacity for thoughtful decision-making. This reflective approach fosters healthier interactions and outcomes while helping us navigate complex social landscapes more adeptly.

Ultimately, honing emotional intelligence allows us not only to manage our own emotional responses but also empowers us to support others in their emotional journeys as well.

See Emotional Regulation for more on this topic

Marshaling Emotions to Obtain Goals

Emotions, when functioning properly, serve as vital guides that provide us with wisdom in navigating life’s complexities. They propel us toward opportunities and help us recognize and avoid potential dangers, acting as an internal compass that informs our decisions and actions. For example, feelings of excitement may encourage us to pursue new ventures or relationships, while fear can alert us to risks that require caution.

However, this natural system can sometimes become disrupted due to past experiences such as abusive childhoods or traumatic events. Such experiences can create sensitivities where emotions are amplified or misinterpreted, leading individuals to react excessively in situations that may not warrant such responses. This over-sensitivity can manifest as heightened anxiety or defensiveness, making it challenging for individuals to engage with the world around them confidently (Murphy, 2023).

A Healthy Relationship with Emotions Essential for Personal Growth

To cultivate a healthy relationship with our emotions is essential for personal growth and effective decision-making. By developing emotional intelligence—understanding the roots of our feelings and their appropriate expressions—we gain the ability to harness these powerful forces constructively. Rather than allowing past traumas to dictate our emotional responses, we learn how to channel them into actions aligned with our goals and values. For instance, someone who has experienced trauma might initially feel overwhelmed by certain social situations; however, through self-awareness and reflection, they can transform those emotions into motivation for personal development or advocacy work related to healing from similar experiences.

Ultimately, fostering a balanced relationship with our emotions enables us not only to respond more adaptively but also empowers us to take purposeful action towards creating fulfilling lives based on resilience rather than fear.

​See Emotional Guidance System for more on this topic

Recognizing Emotions in Others

As we become more attuned to our own emotional experiences, we establish a crucial foundation that enables us to understand and empathize with the emotions of others. This self-awareness is essential because it allows us to recognize that while we may share similar feelings, each person’s emotional landscape is inherently subjective and influenced by their unique life experiences. For instance, someone might react defensively in a situation where another person would respond calmly; this disparity can be rooted in past traumas or differing perspectives on social interactions.

It’s essential to remember that emotional responses are personal and complex—what seems like an obvious reaction from our viewpoint may not hold true for others. Thus, instead of making assumptions about how someone should feel or act based on our interpretations, fostering empathy encourages deeper understanding.

Empathy

By acknowledging the individuality of others’ emotions and recognizing the feelings behind their actions, we open ourselves up to richer interpersonal connections. This approach requires active listening and observation as we learn to create space for emotions rather than dismissing them or reacting impulsively. When we make room for these expressions—whether through validating someone’s feelings or simply being present—we reduce the likelihood of miscommunication and inappropriate reactions stemming from misunderstandings.

Moreover, by practicing empathy and compassion toward ourselves first, we cultivate a mindset conducive to supporting others emotionally without judgment. Ultimately, this process enhances our relationships by allowing for authentic exchanges grounded in mutual respect and understanding, paving the way for healthier communication dynamics where everyone feels valued and heard.

​See Emotions and Empathy for more on this topic

Managing Emotions in Relationships

It’s important to recognize that while we may share our lives with a partner, it is not solely our responsibility to ensure their emotional well-being. This notion can create an unhealthy dynamic where one person feels burdened by the obligation to constantly uplift or appease the other. Instead, healthy relationships thrive on mutual respect and understanding, where each individual takes ownership of their emotions and mental state. By doing so, both partners can work towards emotional autonomy—understanding that feeling good is ultimately an internal process rather than something dictated by another person’s actions or words.

That said, loving partnerships do offer invaluable support in navigating the complexities of emotional regulation. Partners can serve as vital resources who help each other identify and manage feelings without judgment or dismissal. This means creating an environment where open communication about emotions is encouraged; for instance, when one partner expresses frustration or sadness, the other should respond with empathy and validation rather than attempting to “fix” the emotion immediately.

By practicing active listening and offering reassurance during challenging moments, partners contribute positively to each other’s emotional landscapes. This supportive framework allows individuals to process their feelings more effectively while also fostering deeper connections built on trust and understanding—ultimately enhancing both personal growth and relationship satisfaction over time.

​See Emotional Intimacy for more on this topic

Associated Concepts

• Somatic Markers: These are physiological or bodily reactions that are associated with emotions and influence decision-making processes. Coined by Antonio Damasio, a renowned neuroscientist, somatic markers refer to the way our bodies respond to certain stimuli and how those responses are linked to our emotional experiences.
• Emotional Patterns: These refer to recurring and predictable emotional responses to certain situations or stimuli. These patterns can include a range of emotions such as joy, sadness, anger, fear, and more, and they often form the basis of an individual’s emotional temperament and personality.
• Somatic Awareness: This refers to the conscious recognition and perception of our own physical sensations, movements, and bodily experiences.
• Emotional Dissonance: This involves conflict between genuine and expected emotions, leading to stress and psychological strain. This discrepancy can impact job performance and overall well-being. Strategies like deep acting and emotional regulation can help manage these conflicting emotions, fostering authenticity and resilience in navigating social demands.
• Affective-Cognitive Consistency: This refers to the alignment between emotions and thoughts, crucial for psychological well-being. Misalignment can lead to internal conflict and distress. Factors such as early experiences shape this consistency, impacting relationships and decision-making.
• Emotional Integrity: This refers to the alignment and consistency between a person’s emotions, thoughts, and actions. It involves being true to oneself and expressing emotions authentically, while also considering the impact of those emotions on others.

A Few Words by Psychology Fanatic

At Psychology Fanatic, we deeply understand that emotions are not just fleeting feelings; they are the threads that weave the fabric of our daily experiences and relationships. Over countless hours of dedicated research and exploration, we’ve delved into the intricate psychology of emotion to uncover how these powerful forces shape our behaviors, decisions, and interactions with others. Each article we publish is a reflection of our passion for this fascinating subject; it aims to illuminate various aspects of emotional understanding—from the biological underpinnings to practical applications in everyday life. We believe that by sharing this knowledge, we can empower you to navigate your own emotional landscape more effectively.

Our ultimate goal is to create a supportive community where individuals feel encouraged to engage with their emotions authentically and constructively. Whether you’re seeking insights on emotional intelligence or looking for strategies to enhance your mental well-being, we’re here as your trusted resource every step of the way. We hope that through our research-driven content and heartfelt discussions about the complexities of human emotion, you will find valuable tools and perspectives that resonate with your personal journey.

Together, let’s continue exploring this remarkable realm where psychology meets passion—because understanding emotions is key not only to personal growth but also to enriching relationships with those around us. Thank you for being part of this journey at Psychology Fanatic!

Last Update: January 9, 2026

References:

Barrett, Lisa Feldman (2018) How Emotions Are Made: The Secret Life of the Brain. Mariner Books; Illustrated edition. ISBN-10: 1328915433; APA Record: 2017-26294-000
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Barrett, Lisa Feldman (2020) Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. ISBN-10: 035864559X
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Damasio, Antonio (2005). Descartes’ Error: Emotion, Reason, and the Human Brain. Penguin Books; Reprint edition. ISBN-10: ‎014303622X
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David, Susan (2016). Emotional Agility: Get Unstuck, Embrace Change, and Thrive in Work and Life. Avery; First Edition. ISBN-10: 1592409490
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Fosha, Diana (2000). The Transforming Power Of Affect: A Model For Accelerated Change. Basic Books. ISBN-13: 9780465095674; APA Record: 2000-00712-000
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Goleman, Daniel (2005). Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ. Bantam Books. ISBN-10: 055338371X
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Maté, Gabor (2008). When the Body Says No. ‎Trade Paper Press; 1st edition. ISBN-10: 0470349476
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Mlodinow, Leonard (2013). Subliminal: How Your Unconscious Mind Rules Your Behavior. Vintage; Illustrated edition. ISBN-10: 0307472256
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Murphy, T. Franklin (2023). Emotional Sensitivity: Nurturing Empathy and Healthy Responses. Psychology Fanatic. Published: 4-24-2023; Accessed: 5-4-2025. Website: https://psychologyfanatic.com/emotional-sensitivity/
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Nesse, Randolph M. (2019). Good Reasons for Bad Feelings: Insights from the Frontier of Evolutionary Psychiatry. ‎Dutton; 1st edition. ISBN-10: 0141984910
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Salovey, P., & Mayer, J. (1990). Emotional Intelligence. Imagination, Cognition and Personality, 9(3), 185-211. DOI: 10.2190/DUGG-P24E-52WK-6CDG
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Sapolsky, Robert (2018). Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst. Penguin Books; Illustrated edition. ISBN-10: 1594205078
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