Characteristics of Human Emotions –
Emotion has its some own characteristics that set it apart from other mental states. Those Characteristics are-
Table of Contents
1) Stimulant dependence –
To creates every emotion required any one stimulus. That is, emotion is created depending on the stimulus. This stimulus may be an external object, or may come from the person’s prior knowledge or idea about the object.
For example, we get afraid when we see a tiger. Again, even thinking about the possibility of a tiger’s presence in a particular situation, we get afraid. Here we are afraid because of the past ideas we have about tigers.
2) Instinct and Emotion relationship –
According to the psychologist McDougall, every instinct has some kind of emotion associated with it.
Eg – If a hungry person is not given food, he gets angry. This is because an obstacle in the way of hunger relief. In this context, psychologist ‘Drever’ says – when our instincts are obstructed, anger arises.
3) Emotion and physical changes –
There is a close relationship between the emotion and with physical activity. As result of every emotion some physical changes happen. The physical changes that occur as a result of emotion can be both internal and external.
For example, the internal physical changes that can occur as a result of emotion are – increased blood circulation, increased heart rate, changes in respiration, etc.
Again, the external physical changes that may occur as a result of emotion are shouting, clenching fists, facial changes, changes in gaze etc.
4) Duration of Emotion –
Emotion in upper age last longer than in childhood. It increases slowly and decreases slowly. We don’t usually get angry suddenly or our anger doesn’t go away immediately after removing the object of anger. And if I get angry with someone once in a day, the anger lasts for a long time.
5) Alteration of emotional responses –
As we age, our emotional response changes.
For example, in children we see emotional reactions as a whole. When they are happy, they express it with their whole body. But with age, the nature of expression of pleasure is changed. Gradually we express it through special body parts.
6) Emotion and physical illness –
Many times emotion are caused by physical illness. Due to temporary physical illness, we have special emotion at special moments.
Eg – When we are suffering from headache, then we get very angry if someone disturbs us.
7) Emotion is innate and acquired –
Emotion is both innate and acquired. According to psychologists, we are born with three emotions. They are joy, fear and anger.
With increasing age, various complex emotions are formed around these emotions through interaction with the environment. For example – resentment, hatred, jealousy etc.. We can call these acquired emotions.
8) Span of Emotion –
Emotions are seen from birth to death. just in the childhood, child gets angry when his toy is taken away. Similerly an old person get angry too, when he is insulted. Thus the emotion’s span the whole life.
Besides, emotion is not only limited to humans but can also be seen in animals. Eg – If you show a stick to a dog, it runs away in fear.
9) Action and Emotion relationship –
Every emotion has a close relationship with action. That is, emotion motivates the person to action.
For example, when we are afraid, we run away to a safe place. Again when we get angry, then often we attack, speak loudly etc.
So, above discussed characteristics are the main Characteristics of Human Emotions.
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