FEAR
Information message: Protect from immediate harm or danger
Related terms: Scared, dread, fright, panicked, uneasy
Subjective feelings: “I feel threatened by [someone, something]”, “I can’t handle this situation”, “This reminds me of another time I was hurt”, “I am going to fail”, “[S/he] wants to leave me”
Body experience: Sweating, feeling jittery, shaking, choking sensation, lump in the throat, breathlessness, abdominal distress
Actions and expressions: Rapid speaking, shaky voice, crying, screaming, running away, seeking shelter, speechless, frozen
ANXIETY
Information message: Prevent future harm or danger
Related terms: Nervous, apprehensive, worried, dreading, overwhelmed, tense, stressed
Subjective Feelings: “I could be in a lot of trouble if…” “What if [something bad] happens…” “If I don’t do well on this, I will be [fired/kicked out]”, “I will not be able to survive if [s/he] decided to leave me”, “I need to prepare for the worst”
Body experience: Tension in muscles (neck, head, back, jaw), restlessness, feeling tired, inability to rest or sleep, difficulty concentrating, keyed up or on edge, chronic headaches, gastrointestinal discomfort
Actions and expressions: Avoiding reminders of anxiety-provoking things/people, seeking reassurance from others that you are going to be ok, rapid talking
DISGUST
Information message: Withdraw from an intolerable someone or something
Related terms: Appalled, contemptuous, sickened, distanced, noxious
Subjective feelings: “Get me away from this [person/thing]”, “I can’t stand to be around [her/him] anymore”, “I hate the way [s/he] does that”, “The thought of it makes me sick”
Body experience: Queasiness, stomach aches, numb in hands and feet
Actions and expressions: Push away [offending person/object], avoid contact with [offending person/object], speak negatively about [offending person/object], expressing discontent on face
ANGER
Information message: Respond to an injustice or transgression against you
Related terms: Irritated, hostile, furious, annoyed, bitter, frustrated, grumpy, scornful, offended
Subjective feelings: “I can’t believe [s/he] did that”, “How could [s/he] say that about me?” “I can’t believe I would be disregarded that way”, “I can’t believe they would pass me up for the promotion”, “[S/he] violated my trust and didn’t even consider my feelings”
Body experience: Face flushing, general feeling of tightness or rigidity, teeth clamping/mouth tightening, wound up/feel like you will explode out of your body.
Actions and expressions: Wanting to strike [someone/something], verbally attacking [someone], cursing, yelling, clenching your hands and fists, complaining, brooding or withdrawing
SADNESS
Information message: Acknowledge an important loss or an unreachable goal–allowing for disengagement, and conservation of energy
Related terms: Despair, hurt, down, agonized, defeated, glum, hopeless, alienated, sorrow, unhappy
Subjective feelings": “I feel lost”, “I will never have [possession/relationship] again”, “I can’t believe it’s over”, “I failed”, “This is not how I thought things would turn out”, “There’s no hope”
Body experience: Empty or pit feeling in stomach, crying, difficulty swallowing, arms and legs feel heavy, tired, loss of concentration, loss of breath, dizzy
Actions and expressions: Absence of ability to act including low energy/feeling lethargic/slow movements/loss of interest or motivation to socialize/work, frowning, talking less or slower
SHAME
Information message: Recognize one has violated social norms/mores
Related terms: Humiliated, embarrassed, contrite, guilty, regretful
Subjective feelings: “I cannot believe I said that”, “I really hurt that person when I said that”, “I am not like others”, “I don’t know how to act around my coworkers”, “I am a bad person”, “I have not met other’s expectations”
Body experience: Crying, blushing, jittery, pit in stomach, difficulty speaking, choking sensation
Actions and expressions: Hiding, escaping the presence of others, attempting to repair possible harm, apologizing, looking at the floor, slumping
JOY
Information message: Gaining something that you prize
Related terms: Happy, exhilaration, amusement
Subjective feelings: “I feel great”, “I am so happy this happened”, “It’s so good to see you again!”
Body experience: Authentic smile (“smiling with eyes”)
Actions and expressions: Increased willingness to approach, being active, urge to play and be playful
INTEREST
Information message: Increasing attention to potential reward
Related terms: Curiosity, intrigue, excitement, wonder
Subjective feelings: “I am curious about that”, “I’d like to pursue that interest”, “I am excited to find out what will happen”
Body experience: Feeling animated or alive, butterflies in stomach
Actions and expressions: Attending to, orienting towards, exploring one’s world, expanding actions
CONTENTMENT
Information message: Increasing attention to potential reward
Related terms: Curiosity, intrigue, excitement, wonder
Subjective feelings: “I am curious about that”, “I’d like to pursue that interest”, “I am excited to find out what will happen”
Body experience: Feeling animated or alive, butterflies in stomach
Actions and expressions: Attending to, orienting towards, exploring one’s world, expanding actions
EXCITEMENT
Information message: Happily or enthusiastically anticipating or seeking a new or known sensation or experience
Related terms: Enthusiasm, anticipation, fascination, eagerness
Subjective feelings: “I can’t wait for…” “I’m looking forward to…” “I wonder how … will turn out” “…is going to be great!”
Body experience: Feeling like heart is racing, having sweaty palms, tingling in your belly
Actions and expressions: Increased attention to or desire to engage with a situation or experience, rapid speaking, more impulsive decision making