In 1972, Paul Ekman, psychologist, proposed that there are six basic emotions: anger, disgust, fear, joy, sadness, and surprise.

In the 1980’s, Robert Plutchik introduced the wheel of emotions and that different emotions can be combined like an artist mixing primary colors that create other colors.

Ekman later expanded his list to include amusement, contempt, excitement, pride, satisfaction, shame.

Plutchik added primary dimensions: anger vs fear, joy vs sadness, trust vs disgust, surprise vs anticipation.

The Schacter-Singer Theory and the similar Cognitive Appraisal Theory, maintain there is a thought and then an emotion.

How do emotions play a role in our lives ? They determine our choices.

Emotions underlie conditions. Examples: anger and heart disease; fear and anxiety, inflammation, reduced immunity; happiness and longevity.

Emotions are the result of a subjective experience, a physiological reaction (fight or flight), and a behavioral response.

They help us.

They harm us.

We can become aware of our emotions and advance our responsibility to promote our health.

Self-acceptance, self-love, and self-respect lead the way.