Difference between emotion and feeling: Know them here

As human beings we have different types of thoughts that, depending on the situation, can generate subjective experiences. Because of this, this article is going to explain everything about the difference between emotion and feeling that explain human behavior.

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All people have emotions and feelings, that is why it is important to distinguish when you have one or the other

Difference Between Emotion and Feeling

It is very common to confuse the concept of emotion and feeling, since they are involved in the behavior of the human being, so it can generally be thought that there is no difference, but this is not the case. In the area of ​​psychology, these terms are usually used as synonyms because they are the ones that produce the actions in a particular situation.

In a general way, the difference between emotion and feeling can be exposed just by understanding their meaning, but it is important to know the similarities they have. Among them stands out its relationship with subjective thoughts and in turn with irrational thoughts that can vary depending on the circumstance in which it is being seen. In the case of having a lot of stress, both emotions and feelings are altered, losing stability and balance.

When you no longer have control of your thoughts, emotions often play a very important role in the decisions that are made, in the same way with feelings, generating diseases that affect the mind and body. Because of this, it is important to know about these terms to discover the importance of their presence in our lives.

It is complex to explain this topic because each person has specific feelings and emotions, so it is explained in a very general way because defining it in words can fall short of how these subjective thoughts really act in our lives. We all have moments in which emotions can be expressed and depending on the feeling that is possessed in that situation, the human proceeds to act.

First, it can be said that when we talk about emotion we are talking about an automatic action that we have as a person, which is why it is considered basic and also primitive, it is generated through a stimulus that is processed in the brain and the body acts accordingly. intuitive way. In these cases it can be said that by means of the nerves that are available in the body it is activated automatically.

On the other hand, when talking about feelings, it can be said that they are the responses of the automatic emotions that are presented, so these can be reasoned in such a way that one can become aware of them, that is, that one can understand the feeling that is produced by emotion. There are times when these thoughts can be confusing and abstract, but it is through reflection that you can determine what it is and thus understand how to act.

Another difference is that emotions are unidirectional, but feelings are bidirectional, this is explained by the fact that the stimuli are what produce the emotions, these being the nerves of each person, but the feelings include the mental processes, coming to express their emotions in a symbolic way. actions that are analyzed before acting in a situation. This is why it is important to know the difference between emotion and feeling.

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Depending on the experiences that have been lived these emotions can vary, in the same way as with feelings, so you must have the ability to recognize when you feel one or the other, because depending on them is that we as humans we let go and act.

Despite the fact that the emotion is automatic due to a stimulus, it is with the feelings that we must act, because it is with these that we sit down to analyze and detail how to proceed.

The brain is the one who produces emotions, this being the limbic system which explains the functioning of our emotional and also psychic actions. Therefore, another difference with feelings can be considered, since, as previously stated, these are processed by the mind to understand their origin and how they are going to continue.

Due to this, there is a large number of authors who are responsible for certifying the difference between emotion and feeling, to explain the reason for a specific behavior. Although there are some that do not separate these two terms, most distinguish them and relate them as unique but related concepts.

If you want to know how to become self-sufficient through the development of your emotions and feelings, then it is recommended to read the article of Emotional maturity

What are emotions?

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Emotions consist of automatic responses generated by stimuli that generate the reaction by hormonal action and neurochemical action. These stimuli can be internal and external, depending on the situation, different emotions can be obtained due to their link to the limbic system given by the meeting of a set of neurons in the face of a specific situation that is being experienced.

Internal stimuli are generated by memories, whether happy or sad. These memories produce the emotions that were lived in those moments and in turn new ones depending on the reason that those memories are being had again. When talking about external stimuli, it refers to the circumstance that is being experienced, an example could be when observing a spider or watching a movie.

So it can be said that with emotions a predisposed attitude can be adopted before a specific situation, since it is said that the body has memory, and it is through these stimuli that the human being can react unconsciously and automatically, producing the emotions according to the stimuli that are presented.

As one associates experiences with emotions, when experiencing these situations again, the body reacts in the same way, since it remembers the previously processed information. An example is when being stung by a bee, the brain is responsible for storing this memory and information, so when you see a bee again, this memory appears in the mind, generating the stimulus and reaction automatically without being stung.

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Emotions can be produced by a thought or by an external situation, being transient and performing a spontaneous action without the need for it to be permanent. That is to say, that the attitude is not maintained but rather takes us out of our comfort zone or habitual state that one normally finds oneself as a human being.

As a difference between emotion and feeling, it can be said that those that last less time but are more intense are emotions while the others are the opposite, there are basic types in which these impulses can be included. Due to this, they are shown below along with their main characteristics:

Sadness

It is a transitory expression that, depending on the situation, can be very intense or simply mild. Depending on how the stimulus is, the time it lasts in the person can be increased, this emotion has the function of accepting the loss of either a person or a valuable object.

It must be expressed in order to have the possibility of having a space to reflect. Generally it does not last long, but if the opposite occurs, it means that it is not an emotion but a feeling.

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joy or happiness

With this emotion, relationships with other people are facilitated, it allows the thoughts that are available before a stimulus to be expressed automatically. Through this emotion you can share the spontaneous actions that can be performed. Along with this happiness, it also includes curiosity, because discovering new things draws the person's attention causing a joyful moment that can be shared with another person.

rage or anger

Through this emotion it is possible to mark a limit which prevents the continuation of an attitude or action. So, when we talk about rage or anger, we can think that they are negative, but they can also be positive. It identifies an annoyance that can be felt in a situation, it is the appropriate expression to say no to a request that is harmful to our lives and can generally expose the needs that may be available.

Fear

Through this emotion you can have greater protection against some kind of danger, it also generates prudence before taking an action. It adapts to the circumstance that arises. This emotion is spontaneous and automatic, that through memories the brain processes previous situations that are similar and the body reacts automatically.

When it is very intense it can paralyze our body and thoughts, it should be noted that it can also generate rapid action, depending on the stimulus, not just paralyze. The body can be trained for a specific situation, so having this emotion depending on the training gives the response practiced for a given stimulus

If you want to understand the intellectual system that we as humans have in terms of true thoughts and emotions, then it is recommended to read the article by Interpersonal intelligence

What are feelings?

In a similar way to emotions, feelings are also related to the limbic system, however it also has the evaluation of the mind. That is to say, that the conscience acts to analyze the feeling and then it is that the action of the person proceeds. It is generated automatically, it is not very intense but its duration is greater and uncontrollable.

Feelings are the results of the mind's evaluation of emotion as well as the experience of subjective thoughts, so each of them is valued according to the situation in which it is present. Another way of saying it is that they are a set of emotions together with the associated thoughts that allow reflection before acting, generally after having an emotion, if it lasts, it becomes a feeling.

The difference between emotion and feeling is the judgment that is emitted, that is, the feeling is generated by the analysis and judgment of an emotion, so that a subjective physiological reaction is provided. The interpretation of the stimulus before a sensation is what defines a feeling, so it can be said that its origin is given by the emotion in a specific situation.

Classification 

Just as in emotions, feelings can be classified according to the experience of a stimulus which generates a long and lasting sensation, although it depends on the circumstance in which one is living. These cannot be ignored, but they can be evaluated so that correct action can be taken. That is why the classification is shown below along with its main characteristics:

Positive

  • They are considered as good and pleasant feelings
  • Provides well-being and peace to the human being
  • Generates a pleasant behavior and attitude
  • Preserves mental and physical health
  • Diminishes anguish, and in turn stress
  • They are produced from positive emotions, that is, the emotion of happiness and joy
  • Some of the examples that can be named are: love, euphoria, hope, also happiness, including motivation, well-being, enthusiasm, among others.

Negatives

  • They are the counterpart of positive feelings
  • Generates stimuli and feelings of displeasure
  • Usually gives unpleasant consequences and discomfort to the mind and body
  • Sometimes they help the personal development of every human being
  • You can develop mental problems and anxiety disorders and depression
  • Some of the examples that can be named are: anger, shame, fear, anger, guilt, worry, stress, indignation, frustration, among others

Important points to highlight the differences

As explained at the beginning of the article, the difference between emotion and feeling can be confusing since both are presented simultaneously, but keys or notable points can be highlighted where the distinction is made. That is why these key points are shown below:

Feelings are not transitory but emotions are.

Emotions do not last in the limbic system, due to this they are said to be transitory states, instead, feelings include consciousness, causing it to evaluate the stimulus for what lasts a longer amount of time. It should also be remembered that feelings can arise from the intensity of an emotion, in these cases its duration in the person is very high.

Emotions originate automatically, but feelings when performing an analysis of these stimuli

Emotions are produced unconsciously and automatically, but feelings require a period of time to develop since the conscience must evaluate each of the stimuli originated and study their behavior, in this way it can be said how the feeling is born. Usually we talk about love and hate, but it involves every sensation that a human being can have.

From an emotion originates the feeling

The emotion comes from a stimulus and the feeling that originates from the persistence of this sensation can produce more than one feeling. A clear example is the emotion of joy that, being very intense, awakens the feeling of happiness and love, due to this this topic can lead to confusion, but having a feeling constantly means that a feeling was born.

Feelings are interpretations while emotions are reactions

Emotions come from an external or internal stimulus. This means then that it responds to psychophysiological reactions generated unconsciously and spontaneously. Feelings are the results of these reactions managed by thoughts integrating a more complex process.


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