What is an emotion?

Emotions. When I first hear the word, I immediately think of particular feelings that characterize a state of mind like joy, anger, love, hate, disgust, sadness, and surprise. These feelings vary on a spectrum of arousal and valence. Thus, my definition of emotion would be a particular mental state that is accompanied by a pattern of physiological responses. I know that this is an extremely broad definition for the word “emotion” but the truth is that emotions are complex. They can be triggered by any sensory stimulus and elicit any of a number of physiological responses before a person is consciously aware of what he or she is feeling. The smell of an apple pie can trigger feelings of joy as you remember your childhood. Or, looking at a vintage piece of clothing can trigger sadness about the death of an older relative. The physiological response for either of these scenarios could be the release of tears. Examination of this particular physiological response would not shed any light on what emotion someone is feeling. However, some self-concept and conscious awareness of what a person’s mental state is can help with identification. Emotions can be elicited by present events, memories, reflections, or event imaginative musings. They allow us to interact with our environment and the people around us. They help us affiliate and empathize and even protect us regulate ourselves. However, there is so much more that we still need to learn about them!