The Distinction Between Emotions and Feelings: A Frequent Source of Misunderstanding
In the realm of psychology, understanding the nuances between emotions and feelings is crucial. These two concepts, though interconnected, have distinct characteristics that set them apart.
Emotions, by definition, are rapid, automatic, and physical responses to external stimuli or internal events. They occur swiftly, often before conscious awareness, and involve physiological changes such as changes in heart rate or facial expressions. Examples of emotions include anger, fear, disgust, joy, and more. Emotions are considered more primal and universal across humans, acting as an internal alarm system signalling important events such as danger or pleasure [1][3].
On the other hand, feelings are the subjective, conscious experience or interpretation of those emotional reactions. They develop after the body’s initial emotional response, as the brain processes and reflects on the emotion, incorporating personal memories, past experiences, culture, and thoughts. Feelings represent the mental "story" the mind creates around the raw emotional data. Unlike emotions, feelings can be more complex, nuanced, and varied among individuals because they are shaped by personal context [1].
In summary, emotions are the body's immediate, physiological reactions, whereas feelings are the conscious interpretation and mental experience of those emotions. This means emotions tend to be more universal and automatic, while feelings are more personalized and shaped by cognitive processes [1][3].
This distinction helps explain why two people can have the same emotional reaction but experience different feelings about it, influenced by their unique backgrounds and thoughts [1][2]. The social aspect is crucial in shaping feelings, as they depend largely on one's environment.
Emotions can arise as physical sensations in response to various stimuli and can manifest as physiological changes in the body. For instance, clenched jaws, flared nostrils, flushed face, pounding heart, rapid, shallow breathing, and abrupt movements can indicate anger. On the other hand, lightness in the body, surge of energy, desire to straighten up and move can indicate joy [2].
Feelings, however, usually align with one's needs and values. They change slowly through working on beliefs and gaining new experiences. For example, the more positive emotions someone derives from an activity, the quicker their attitude towards it will change, such as sports [2].
Emotions influence the behavior of the person experiencing them. They can be regulated quickly through methods like breathing or shifting focus. However, feelings, being more complex and personal, may take longer to change [2].
Different people may express emotions differently, but there are typical signs that many share. For example, a feeling of internal vibration, increased breathing, and shortness of breath, stiffness, and inability to relax may signal anxiety [2].
In conclusion, while emotions and feelings are interconnected, they serve distinct roles in our psychological makeup. Understanding this difference can help us better understand and manage our emotional responses, leading to improved mental health and well-being.
References: [1] LeDoux, J. (2000). The Emotional Brain. Simon and Schuster. [2] Damasio, A. (1994). Descartes' Error: Emotion, Reason, and the Human Brain. Grosset/Putnam. [3] Izard, C. E. (1977). Human emotions. Plenum Press.
Science plays an essential role in understanding the intricacies between emotions and feelings, critical aspects in the field of psychology. In particular, health-and-wellness and mental-health studies highlight that emotions are rapid, automatic, and physical responses, while feelings are the subjective, conscious interpretations of these emotional reactions, formed by cognitive processes over time [1][2].
