Primary Vs. Secondary Emotions

Emotions are easily expressed through body language.

Humans are emotional creatures. Emotions are defined as mental agitation or an excited state of feeling. Emotions can be natural, such as a baby crying because they are hungry, or learned, such as throwing a temper tantrum after experiencing someone else's on previous occasions.

Primary Emotions

Primary emotions include happiness, sadness, fear and anger. They are the emotions felt first in reaction to anything that requires an emotional response. An example of a primary emotional reaction would be getting angry and yelling because of tripping over a child's toy that was not put away.

Secondary Emotions

Secondary emotions happen after the primary emotions are felt. Secondary emotions tend to be a mixture of different emotions, and this is the area where mood swings and similar reactions come into play.

Differences

Primary emotions generally go away as fast as they come because they are an immediate response. Secondary emotions tend to last longer and change as they progress. An example of this would be the joyous reaction many people experience when they find out they are pregnant, but then they realize they have no money, no job and are single, so sadness and depression erase the feelings of joy.

References

• ChangingMinds.org: Primary and Secondary Emotions
• Anything to Stop the Pain: Primary and Secondary Emotions