While it was previously identified that there are six basic emotions—happiness, sadness, fear, disgust, anger, and surprise—that are universally experienced in all human cultures, researchers have now found that there are 27 different categories of emotions.<\/p>" } } , { "@type": "Question", "name": "What causes emotions?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "
Emotions are influenced by a network of interconnected structures in the brain that make up what is known as the limbic system. Key structures including the hypothalamus, the hippocampus, the amygdala, and the limbic cortex play a pivotal role in emotions and behavioral responses.<\/p>" } } , { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can we control our emotions?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "
As human beings, we have the ability to self-regulate, or manage our thoughts, behaviors, and emotions—allowing us to better handle stress, deal with conflict, and accomplish our goals. We can continue to develop our self-regulation skills through mindfulness strategies and exercises.<\/p>" } } ] } , { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "name": "Emotional Intelligence", "description": "
Emotional intelligence (EI) refers to the ability to perceive, control, and evaluate emotions. Some researchers suggest that emotional intelligence can be learned and strengthened, while others claim it's an inborn characteristic.<\/p>" } , { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "name": "Emotion Wheel", "description": "
The emotion wheel is an emotion classification system introduced by psychologist Robert Plutchik in the 1980s. The model allowed us to label our feelings, so we can develop our emotional literacy skills to have a greater awareness of ourselves and the emotions of others.<\/p>" } , { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "name": "Expression", "description": "
Expression is the act of communicating our thoughts and emotions with others, verbally or non-verbally.<\/p>" } , { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "name": "Mood", "description": "
Mood can be defined as a relatively stable affective state that is often described as positive or negative. Unlike emotions, which tend to be stronger and more specific, moods are more general and less intense. <\/p>" } ] } ]