The Emotion Wheel: Purpose, Definition, and Uses

Emotions prepare us to respond to a perceived or real environmental stimulus (for example, being chased by a mountain lion or imagining an angry friend can both generate fear and lead to withdrawal). But what distinguishes an emotion from a mood, a physical state or a thought? emotions differ from Moods They usually last minutes to seconds, while moods can last hours or even days. Emotions also produce a series of coordinated responses (more on this below).

Philosophers and scientists have been interested in emotions for centuries. There are currently two main theories about this emotion.
The evolutionary theory of emotions states that emotions evolved to enhance survival by triggering appropriate responses to the environment (e.g., being chased by a bear). Although humans generally do not face the same survival threats as our ancient ancestors, emotions still serve important social functions by communicating future intentions and actions. According to this view, emotions have clear neural bases in the brain and are universal across cultures and species. We therefore believe that emotions are innate. ​PlutchikThe Emotion Wheel uses an evolutionary perspective on emotions. ​​

The social constructivist theory of emotions (Barrett, 2009) assumes that emotions are not innate, but socially and culturally constructed. In other words, prior experiences shaped by education and culture shape our interpretation of visceral experiences and label them as emotions. For example, not all cultures have the same words for different emotions (the German word “Schadenfreude” means taking pleasure in another’s pain, and there is no equivalent word in English). This view of emotions suggests that multiple brain networks work together in emotional responses (rather than the existence of specific neural underpinnings for single, discrete emotions).
Although there are many differences between these theories, both theories agree that emotions are incredibly powerful and the ability to express and name them is of great importance. sensitive Rail.

Plutchik believed that there were eight primary emotions, represented by primary colors and varying in intensity. The center of the emotion wheel reflects the maximum arousal level of each emotion:
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1. Grief
2. disgust
3. terror
4. vigilance
5. Fury
6. admiration
7. Amusing
8. ecstasy

Emotions furthest from the center of the emotion wheel represent a milder level of arousal of primary emotions. Emotions that are closer on the emotion wheel are considered more similar than those that are further apart. Words outside the “slices” of the emotion wheel are common mixtures of emotions (e.g. “surprise” and “sadness” together result in “disapproval”).

Emotions are complex (all the more reason why we need an emotion wheel to organize them!) Here are the components of emotions:

• Emotions are coordinated with the body’s physiological responses. For example, when you are anxious, your heart rate usually increases and your palms become sweaty. There is debate as to whether emotions precede or precede these physiological responses (Jacques, 1884). Regardless, there is plenty of empirical evidence demonstrating that physiological reactions go hand in hand with emotions.
• Emotions are also associated with facial, verbal and/or behavioral expressions. Charles Darwin first highlighted the universality of this emotional component in his 1872 book “On the Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals.” fear Facial expressions (e.g., raised hairs or goosebumps) may be seen in cats and other animals (including humans).

• The subjectively felt component of emotions refers to our experience of emotions. When we talk about our emotions, the subjective feeling is usually what we think about and describe (e.g. “I feel sad about… “). When you write about emotions or use a rating scale to rate your emotions, you take advantage of this subjective component.

Plutchik argued that each emotion serves an evolutionary function. He identified the following survival behaviors: triggered through each emotion:

The feeling wheel can be a useful tool in individual cases therapyin a group or alone to recognize, generate and explore the complexity of emotions. In therapy, for example, the emotion wheel can be a visual cue to discuss and name one’s own emotions or to attempt to recreate an existing emotion. deleted.

The Emotion Wheel can also be used to think about some of the bridges people experience between their emotions (e.g. Fury and sadness can often occur at the same time). To help people regulate your emotionsThe emotion wheel can be a visual aid for transforming emotions from negative to positive (e.g. from sadness to). serenity). Understanding the underlying functions of each emotion can also help people discuss the root causes of their feelings.

People sometimes have difficulty expressing their feelings. People often say they “feel bad” and sometimes they can’t be more specific. Using clear emotion labels to express emotions helps people become more aware of their emotions and communicate about them with others. needs. People who use more detailed language to describe their emotions tend to be psychologically healthier and robust (Tugade, Fredrickson and Barrett, 2004). The Emotion Wheel makes this easier by using colors, shapes and symbols. Just as art can be a way to express emotions, the Emotion Wheel can help people delve deeper into their emotions, their complexity and meaning.

Now that you have the Emotion Wheel to help you better identify and label your emotions, here are some exercises that can help you increase your emotions using this tool. well-being.

• “All perception is characterized by emotions. -Immanuel Kant
• “Human behavior comes from three main sources: desire, emotion and knowledge. » -Plato