Emotion and Feeling: Understanding the Differences

Emotion and Feeling: Understanding the Differences


Experts explain why you shouldn’t use the terms “emotion” and “feeling” interchangeably. Understand!

NO, emotion and feeling are not the same thing, and understanding the differences between these two concepts is essential to developing a deeper understanding of ourselves and others.




We should never ignore our emotions and feelings. These aspects are part of our emotional reality. We feel anger, fear, joy, sometimes even all of them mixed together. And there is no way to suppress all of this, no matter how many people try. A big part of emotional intelligence is precisely the process of understanding and recognizing that feelings and emotions are part of human existence,” says the John Victor Nascimentopsychologist at NuMa.

What is emotion?

Second Denize Savispecialist in the Science of Happiness and coordinator of the NGO Doe Sentimentos Positivos, the emotions They are instantaneous reactions that occur in response to events, thoughts, or stimuli in the environment.

“They are universal and involve physiological changes, such as changes in heart rate, muscle tension, and facial expressions,” says the expert.

Among the main human emotions are: envy, anxiety, sadness, happiness, boredom, Fear, disgust AND anger.

“For example, feeling joy when meeting a friend, sadness when remembering a loss, fear when faced with a threatening situation, or anger when faced with an injustice,” says Savi.

He further explains that our emotions arise from the automatic responses of our nervous system to stimuli. “They are mainly processed by limbic system of the brain“, points out.

“When we talk about mental health, emotion is part of life and is an adaptive resource. However, when certain emotions become too frequent, compromising the quality of life, the condition can be considered pathological,” warns Joao Vitor.

What’s the feeling?

You feelings they were more complex and long-lasting emotional states.

“These are subjective experiences that result from the conscious interpretation of emotions. They arise when the brain processes and gives meaning to emotions, integrating them with thoughts and memories,” explains the Theo Nascimentocoordinator of the psychology center of the Clínica Revitalis.

This conscious and reflective interpretation of emotions occurs in areas of the brain such as the prefrontal cortex and can be influenced by each person’s life experiences, culture and learning.

“For example, feeling grateful after receiving a gift is a feeling that develops from the initial emotion of surprise and joy. Feelings such as love, desire or resentment are constructed from our experiences, values ​​and personal interpretations of the emotions we feel,” says Denize.

What is the difference between emotion and feeling?

According to the coordinator of the NGO Doe Sentimentos Positivos, the difference between emotion and feeling It is based on duration and complexity.

Emotions are immediate and fleeting, while feelings are more long-lasting and develop over time. individual interpretations of the emotions experienced.

Emotions They are automatic and momentary physiological reactions to stimuli, which involve responses from the limbic system, such as the amygdala. Feelings are the conscious and subjective interpretation of these emotions, which involves the prefrontal cortex”, summarizes Nascimento.

Source: Terra

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