Basic Emotions

Paul Ekman and Wallace van Friesen from their research in the 70's said there are six 'basic emotions', these emotions are linked to facial expression. They found them to be universally recognisable, even through different cultures. They are;

                            JOY                                     DISGUST                               SADNESS

                         ANGER                                SURPRISED                                   FEAR

(Spot the odd one out)

Ekin describes the basic emotions as distinct 'emotion families', each category contains a range of different emotions. In 1999 Ekman updated his list of emotions;

 Amusement, anger contempt, contentment, disgust, embarrassment, excitement, fear, guilt, pride, relief, sadness/distress, satisfaction, pleasure and shame.