Throughout most of human history, emotions were believed to be universal and biologically determined, with specific neurological, physiological, and facial expressions associated with each emotion. This essentialist view of emotions seemed unquestionable. However, Lisa Feldman Barrett offers an alternative perspective.
Barrett proposes the theory of constructed emotions, suggesting that emotions are not purely biologically determined but a product of combined social and biological factors. While emotions have a biological basis, such as nervous system activation, social and cultural factors significantly influence our experiences and labeling of these emotions.
Support for this theory comes from the diverse emotions observed around the world. For instance, in Filipino culture, the emotion "gigil" represents an irresistible urge to hug or squeeze something unbearably adorable. In Japanese culture, "age-otori" refers to feeling worse after getting a haircut. Interestingly, some cultures lack emotions considered basic by others: the Utka Eskimos don’t have a concept for"anger," and Tahitians lack the concept of "sadness."
Understanding how emotions are constructed and shaped is crucial for our well-being and evolution. By acknowledging the role of social and cultural factors in constructing emotions, we can better comprehend our emotional experiences and work towards improved mental health.
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