Psychological Well-being

Guide to Emotions

Guide to Emotions

Understanding emotions is essential for both psychologists and their clients. Here's a structured emotional map designed to navigate through 12 distinct spheres of human emotions.

To effectively utilize this map, consider the following assumptions: Emotions are psychophysiological phenomena influencing our perceptions, thoughts, and actions. Each emotional sphere groups together emotions that share similar meanings or strategies in our interactions with the world.

While emotions within a sphere may vary in intensity or meaning, their categorization helps provide clarity. For instance, fear and horror may differ in intensity, while envy and pride reflect similar attitudes towards others.

Emotions are fluid and can coexist or combine, forming complex feelings like jealousy, which blends anger, fear, guilt, and greed. Despite their intricacies, separating emotions aids in understanding their individual impacts.

Antagonistic emotions are often placed apart on the map, akin to colors in a palette. Yet, emotions interact uniquely within each sphere, much like colors blend in a painting.

Here's a breakdown of the emotional spheres:

Scope of Satisfaction

Satisfaction - comfort - ease - carelessness - flight - playfulness - joy - pleasure - radiance - fun - happiness - grace - spiritualization - euphoria - bliss - ecstasy - rapture.

Sphere of Enthusiasm

Curiosity - interest - cheerfulness - hope - optimism - enthusiasm - confidence - strength - determination - involvement - inspiration - anticipation - excitement.

Rest Center

Peace - serenity - security - tranquility - relief.

Sphere of Surprise

Confusion - bewilderment - surprise - amazement - wonder.

Sphere of Conscience

Humility - submission - embarrassment - guilt - shame - remorse - annoyance.

Sphere of Loneliness

Isolation - pity - loneliness - emptiness.

Scope of Loss of Happiness

Discontent - nostalgia - concern - regret - sadness - anguish - depression - sorrow - emotional pain - grief.

Sphere of Loss of Meaning

Inertness - monotony - fatigue - boredom - satiety - apathy - bitterness - indifference - despondency.

Scope of Fear

Anxiety - doubt - distrust - alertness - apprehension - concern - fear - terror - helplessness - panic - despair - horror.

Sphere of Antagonism

Coldness - suspicion - irritation - confrontation - rejection - anger - hostility - resentment - indignation - gloating - boycott - rage - hatred - fury.

Scope of Excellence

Isolation - condescension - disdain - pity - disregard - self-satisfaction - pride - arrogance - dislike - condemnation - disobedience - envy - greed - contempt - disgust - malice - insult - humiliation - revenge - jealousy - betrayal.

Sphere of Acceptance

Consent - approval - benevolence - openness - gratitude - sympathy - attraction - respect - enthusiasm - affection - unity - tenderness - admiration - devotion - faith - love - adoration - reverence.

Understanding these emotional spheres enhances emotional intelligence and supports personal and professional growth in psychology.

The article was prepared by Lisa Cooper.