For centuries, psychologists have studied the concept of mood and emotion. Some of the groundbreaking studies were performed by Robert Plutchik, who was a professor emeritus at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and adjunct professor at the University of South Florida. He believed that there are eight primary emotions, which are the basis for all types of human behavior. While other psychologists have different lists of emotions, there is some overlap. Each of these emotions has a direct influence on mood. However, while emotions represent a short-term response to an incident, mood describes long-term behavior.
Anger
Anger is expressed in facial expression and body language. It is characterized by an increased heart rate and blood pressure. Although anger is considered an emotion, when prolonged, it can have a direct influence on mood. Long-term anger can lead to stress.
In some cases, unexpressed anger can be turned inward and become depression. However, social psychologist Carol Tavris disputes this theory and argues that anger can be depression turned outward. In her book titled "Anger: The Misunderstood Emotion," she gives an example of the divorced person spouting rage about his spouse. Tavris believes that the rage is a means of avoiding the depressed, hurt feelings.
Fear
Fear is an emotion that is experienced in direct response to a threat. In some cases, fear can lead to the mood described as anxiety. However, there are some distinct differences. An article titled "At Home in the Discomfort Zone" was published in "Outside Magazine" in April of 2002. Author Kevin Foley described the physiological differences between fear and anxiety.
Fear stimulates epinephrine and norepinephrine, which invoke the fight-or-flight response. While fear is a response to a direct threat, anxiety is a response to a potential threat. It stimulates the stress hormone known as cortisol, but it does not stimulate epinephrine and norepinephrine. As such, someone in an anxious mood may seem to be either physically or emotionally paralyzed
Sadness
Sadness is characterized by feelings of loss and helplessness. While the emotion defined as sadness can lead to the mood described as depression, they are actually distinctly different. Sadness is usually felt in response to a specific event. Depression can often occur without any specific reason. The depressed person has lost interest in life's daily activities. He may exhibit suicidal tendencies.
Happiness
Happiness is an emotion stimulated by a positive event. When happiness continues for an extended period of time, it leads to the mood described as cheerfulness.
