What is Emotion?

Affect is a generic term that encompasses a broad range of feelings that people experience, which includes both emotions and moods. Compared to moods, emotions are intense feelings and/or reactions that are directed at someone or something. However, emotions and moods can influence each other.

A Basic Set of Emotions

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Although there are different ways to categorize emotions, there is general agreement that there are six universal emotions:  

1. happiness;
2. surprise;
3. fear;
4. sadness;
5. anger; and
6. disgust.

Sources of Emotions

1. Personality. People differ in their intensity of emotional experience as a function of their personalities. Positive events, for instance, are more likely to contribute to positive moods and emotions among extraverts than introverts.
2. Stress. Stress can determine a person's  emotional state; for instance, fear, sadness, and anger.
3. Social Activities. Pleasant social experiences tend to elicit positive emotions.
4. Age. Negative emotions are less evident as people grow older.
5. Gender. Compared to men, women are more emotionally expressive, experience emotions more intensely, report more comfort in expressing emotions, and read nonverbal cues more accurately.