Emotions are Social Behaviors

Behavior in human groups is regulated by displays of status, intentions, body states, needs and distress. Emotions are obvious displays that add dynamics to human interactions. The face is the bulletin board of emotions, complemented by sounds, head movements, arm and hand gestures. The goal of polite society is to maintain a neutral state with little or no display of emotions.

Anger is the dominant emotion and displays of anger disrupt social gatherings. Polite humans learn proper conduct that minimizes conflict. Elaborate polite greeting and parting behaviors are required.

The interaction of humans in public spaces is controlled by a variety of rules, devices and enforcement that minimize the opportunity for anger to emerge. When one person becomes angry in gatherings, others act to minimize the tendency for anger to lead to fighting.

The primary dynamic of dominance and submission is always at work when humans interact. Emotions are the outer language of dominance and submission. Feelings represent the evaluation of dominant and submissive behaviors as monitor images in consciousness.

Crying and laughing are not usually listed as emotions, but should be; indeed, these highly communicative behaviors are prototypes of emotion. Smiling and grimacing are also emotional behaviors. Both are transitional to emotions that are more energetic. Smiling is often a signal that all is well and may progress to laugher.

Grimacing is a signal that not all is well and may lead to crying or anger. Children who are unsure about what is happening may go though the whole repertoire of emotions in rapid succession. A grimace; then a hesitant laugh; and then a flood of tears may follow a tentative smile if the right reassurance is not forthcoming.

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Emotions and Feelings

A Psychology & Philosophy series of books was developed by Persona Digital. The books are copyright and all rights to reproduction by any means are reserved. We encourage readers to quote and paraphrase topics from Emotions and Feelings 2011, published online, and expect proper citations to accompany all derivative writings. The author is Stephen Gislason and the publisher is Persona Digital Books, Sechelt, B.C. Canada.