A List of the 7 Human Emotions

Humans experience a range of emotions every day and to varying degrees. Emotions are subjective experiences; an experience that elicits strong feelings in one person might have little effect on another. The word emotion comes from the Latin word emovere, in which "e" means “out” and "movere" means “move.”

Why Do We Feel?

Psychologists believe human emotions are a function of evolution that have enabled us to solve problems, protect ourselves and our families, survive desperate circumstances and procreate. The “fight or flight” response to immediate danger is one of many examples of how emotion prepares us and protects us. The role of emotion in everyday life also influences the way we learn, set goals, communicate with one another, rank daily tasks and how we perceive ourselves as individuals. The degree to which we “feel” an emotion can lead to a mind-body experience as well. A person who wets himself when faced with extreme fear is an example of this “mind-body” connection between emotion and physiological response. Modern psychologists can identify dozens of emotions experienced by humans, however there are seven that are considered the "root" emotions.

Joy

Joy is a magical, often transformational emotion 1. In an article titles "The Alchemical Emotion of Joy," Kevin Ryerson called joy, "the ability to feel the essence of your own divinity." Related emotions include happiness, exhilaration, excitement, pleasure and contentment.

Anger

Anger can be felt on many levels, ranging from highly irritable to frustration. It is defined as a strong feeling of disapproval or dissatisfaction, usually brought on by some real or perceived wrongdoing. Related emotions include resentment, exasperation, rage and fury.

Anxiety

Anxiety can be subjective and difficult to describe. Most often, it means feeling nervous or uneasy, but in many cases there is no specific reason for feeling so. Impending danger, an upcoming exam, speaking in front of an audience, a blind date, and even day-to-day stress can lead to feelings of anxiousness. Related emotions include distress and apprehension.

Surprise

Feelings of surprise can be pleasant or unpleasant. The one constant, however, is the suddenness of the feeling. Related emotions include amazement, bewilderment, astonishment or feeling startled.

Trust

Also referred to as strength or self-assuredness, trust enables humans to rely on instinct, impart confidence or experience hope. Related emotions include certainty, faith and a feeling of security.

Grief

Mental suffering over a great loss or painful experience are the hallmarks of this emotion. Like anger, there are varying degrees of grief, ranging from disappointment to great despair. Related emotions include anguish, heartache, melancholy and woe.

Fear

Fear is an adaptive human emotion that often has unpleasant side effects. In cases of violent crime or a near-death experience, the victim might experience post-traumatic stress disorder. Fear can also have a protective effect. Think of the father who, for only a moment, can’t locate his child in a busy supermarket. His immediate response (fear), enables him to quickly read his surroundings, listen for his child’s voice and locate the child. Related emotions include apprehension, terror, panic and dread.

Love

Feelings of personal attachment to a child, husband, wife, parent or friend are most commonly associated with love, but love can fall anywhere on the spectrum from passionate affection to mere enthusiasm. Feelings of love might be romantic, or they could mean having a high regard for a friend, church or cause. Related emotions include fondness, adoration and passion.