Understanding the difference between emotions and feelings is essential for emotional self-knowledge and to improve our emotional regulation skills. We sometimes use the terms "emotion" and "feeling" interchangeably, but in reality, they are different but related concepts in the field of psychology and emotional neuroscience.
Emotions: Automatic and universal responses
Emotions are automatic and almost instantaneous responses to internal or external stimuli. They are biological reactions that have an adaptive function and that have evolved throughout human history to help us survive. Emotions are usually intense and temporary, and manifest in our body through physiological changes, such as increased heart rate, sweating or dilated pupils.
Types of emotions
There are various theories that classify emotions into basic categories, such as fear, joy, sadness, anger, disgust and surprise. Each of these emotions plays a specific role in our lives and can be activated in particular situations. For example, fear prepares us to flee or fight a threat, joy motivates us to seek pleasurable experiences, and sadness helps us process losses and disappointments.
The expression of emotions
The expression of emotions can vary enormously between cultures and people, but there are certain facial and body expressions that are universally recognized. For example, a smile is usually associated with joy, while a frown can be interpreted as a sign of anger or worry. Emotions can also be expressed through tone of voice, body language, and non-verbal communication.
Feelings: Subjective and conscious experiences
Unlike emotions, feelings They are subjective and conscious experiences that arise from the cognitive interpretation of our emotions. Feelings are more lasting than emotions and are influenced by our beliefs, values, past experiences and the context in which we find ourselves. While emotions are more automatic and biological, feelings are more complex and depend largely on our thinking and reasoning.
Difference between emotion and feeling
To clarify the distinction between emotion and feeling, we can use a simple example: if we witness a traffic accident, our initial emotion could be fear, caused by the perception of imminent danger. However, once we are sure that there have been no serious injuries and that the situation is under control, we may experience a feeling of relief or gratitude. In this case, the emotion was initial fear and the subsequent feeling was relief, based on our cognitive evaluation of the situation.
The importance of distinguishing between emotions and feelings
Understanding The difference between emotions and feelings is crucial to improving our emotional intelligence and our ability to self-regulate. When we are able to identify and name our emotions accurately, we can manage them more effectively and make conscious decisions instead of reacting impulsively. Additionally, by recognizing our underlying feelings, we can explore the beliefs and thoughts that shape our emotional responses and work to modify them if necessary.
Tips for learning to distinguish between emotions and feelings
1. Practice full attention
Full attention, or mindfulness, is a practice that consists of consciously paying attention to the present moment, without judging. By cultivating mindfulness, we can observe our emotions and feelings with an attitude of curiosity and acceptance, which helps us differentiate between the physical sensations of an emotion and the subjective interpretation of a feeling.
2. Keep an emotional journal
Keeping a journal where we record our emotions and the events or situations that trigger them can be a powerful tool for identifying patterns, connecting with our underlying emotions, and differentiating between primary emotions and secondary feelings. Also writing down the beliefs or thoughts that accompany our emotions can help us better understand why we feel a certain way in certain circumstances.
3. Seek professional help
If you feel difficulty distinguishing between emotions and feelings or managing your emotional reactions in a healthy way, seeking help from a psychology professional may be beneficial. A therapist or psychologist can guide you in the process of emotional self-exploration and provide you with tools and strategies to improve your emotional intelligence and psychological well-being.
Conclusions
In summary, learn to distinguish between emotions and feelings is essential for personal development and emotional well-being. Recognizing and understanding our automatic emotions allows us to be more aware of our emotional reactions and make more informed decisions. By differentiating between the physical responses of an emotion and the cognitive interpretation of a feeling, we can improve our emotional self-awareness and our ability to regulate our emotions in adaptive and constructive ways.