Classification of emotions: paul ekman's universal model

The study of facial expressions and their universality

Before we can manage our emotions, it is essential to understand them. One of the most influential and recognized classifications is that of psychologist Paul Ekman.

Through a series of pioneering cross-cultural studies, Ekman investigated facial expressions in diverse cultures around the world, including isolated tribes that had had no contact with Western society.

The 6 Basic Emotions: Fear, Disgust, Anger, Surprise, Joy, and Sadness

Based on his exhaustive findings, Ekman concluded that there were six emotions that were basic and universal to all human beings.

These are: fear, disgust, anger, surprise, joy, and sadness.

Each of these emotions is not only experienced internally, but is also manifested externally through a characteristic and innate facial expression.

The Iconography of Basic Emotions

Ekman's model was greatly popularized thanks to the associated iconography.

Photographs of facial expressions prototypical images for each of these six emotions have become a standard reference in the field of emotional psychology and nonverbal communication.

These images visually and convincingly demonstrate the biological and universal basis of these affective states.

Other classifications mentioned: by universality and psychological affectation

In addition to Ekman's influential model, there are other ways of classifying emotions.

They can be grouped, for example, according to their cultural universality (whether they are shared by all cultures or specific to some) or according to their psychological affectation, that is, the impact they have on our mental state, although this last classification (positive/negative) is often debated and simplistic.

Summary

The psychologist Paul Ekman studied facial expressions in cultures around the world and demonstrated their universality. Even isolated tribes expressed emotions with gestures similar to those of Western societies.

Ekman identified six basic universal emotions: fear, disgust, anger, surprise, joy, and sadness. Each has an innate facial expression, reinforcing their biological basis shared by all humans.

His model became popular thanks to emotional iconography used in psychology and communication. There are also other classifications based on the cultural universality or psychological impact of each emotion.