What Are Secondary Emotions?

Secondary emotions differ from basic emotions in that they are learned and not universal. Below, we show a list of the best known.

People’s emotional lives are complex. This can be evidenced by the variety of explanatory models that have been formulated around emotions, which differ from each other. However, these theories share one aspect in common: the distinction between primary and secondary emotions.

Primaries are characterized by being innate, universal and fulfilling an adaptive function. Among them, fear, disgust, anger, sadness and joy stand out.

Secondary emotions, on the other hand, arise from the combination of primary emotions, are learned and vary depending on the culture and context in which we develop. If you want to know a little more about this, we invite you to keep reading.

Characteristics of secondary emotions

The distinctive features of secondary emotions are summarized as follows:

They are learned emotions. In general, they start to be acquired between 2 and 3 years of age. This is due to the need for a certain level of development for them to establish themselves. They are not innate or automatic.
They are not universal. This means that they do not manifest the same in all cultures, even if they share a certain base.
Its manifestation is based on what has been learned throughout life.
They are the result of the combination of primary emotions.
They contribute to the formation of an identity. The manifestation of these emotions influences the way we perceive ourselves and interact with our surroundings. Its purpose is social.

5 secondary emotions

As we have already said, different theoretical models have been developed around human emotions. Many divergences between them can be evidenced. However, they agree that among the secondary emotions are the following:

1. Shame

Shame is an unpleasant emotion that arises from feeling that there is something dishonorable, indecent, or inappropriate about someone’s behavior or circumstances.

In general, shame induces the avoidance of social interaction, either by escape or avoidance. It can also provoke defensive responses, such as anger or retaliation.

When we are embarrassed, we look for ways to avoid social contact so that we don’t expose ourselves to that emotion.

2. Guilt

Guilt is characterized by a painful appraisal of having done something we believe is wrong. This emotion is often accompanied by actions that try to undo or mitigate the harm caused. However, it can also inhibit the person and make them think they deserve punishment.

3. Pride

Pride implies a sense of self-satisfaction. It occurs when we reach a goal and other people recognize and approve of our achievement.

In its due measure, it is a beneficial emotion, as it promotes the development of self-esteem and security. However, excess often leads to feelings of grandeur, causing conflicts in social relationships.

4. Pleasure

Pleasure is the emotion caused by the enjoyment of what is considered good or desirable. We usually experience it when our needs are met.

However, the problem with this emotion is that it can be used to hide psychic conflicts, which can lead to dangerous consequences. This is the case of addiction to harmful substances or engaging in risky behavior.

5. Jealousy

Jealousy is a negative emotion in which the person feels resentment towards a third party, as they perceive that the affection of a loved one is taken away. Jealousy requires that a relational triangle be present between the one who is jealous, the loved one, and the rival who poses a threat.

Romantic relationships are the prototypical example of jealousy, but any meaningful relationship (parents, friends, siblings) is capable of producing it. It’s different from envy because there are always three people involved.

Other secondary emotions

Secondary emotions are not exhausted in the list presented. Psychologists such as Paul Ekman and Robert Plutchik provide a longer list. The former also includes embarrassment, contempt, complacency and enthusiasm.

In turn, Plutchik proposes a much more complex model, known as the wheel of emotions . In it, the basic emotions are plotted and how they combine, generating the secondary ones.

In this case, some components of your list of secondary emotions are as follows:

Aggressiveness: anger + anticipation.
Love: joy + trust.
Anxiety : fear + anticipation.
Disappointment: surprise + sadness.
Despair: fear + sadness.
Envy: sadness + anger.
Indignation: surprise + anger.
Pessimism: sadness + expectation.
Sentimentality: confidence + sadness.
Submission: trust + fear.

Disappointments are part of secondary emotions, as surprise combines with sadness.

What should we remember about secondary emotions?

Primary emotions are characterized by being present from birth, fulfilling an adaptive function, being universal (there is no culture that does not manifest them) and having a well-defined expression. We are born with them.

Secondary emotions, on the other hand, are learned throughout life. Their function is social, they are not universal, and they express themselves in different ways depending on culture and context.