- Certainty: I know that there are many competing theories here. Evolutionary psychology is a discipline that suffers fromSlight yes (~60%). If some of the explanations below will proven not to be true I think it is still very helpful to keep thinking about emotions this way and update ones models of how emotions came to be.Replication Crisis
- Evidence: This theory was explained to me by Anna Tylikowska β one of the best therapist I had a chance to work with.
Below is a list of foundational emotions. These emotions were developed in our deep past, some when we were still animals. All of these emotions have very adaptation reason why they were selected for.
Fear
Mother of all emotions. Fear is one of the most fundamental mechanisms regulating approach or avoid decisions.
Anger
Reaction to obstacles, highly energetic
Sadness
In the past there was really high child mortality, if there was only anger mothers would be only destructive member of the group for months. Reversely sadness is a low energy emotion that regulates Anger.
Happiness
Reward for achieving or accomplishing something. There is way more negative than positive foundational emotions. Evolutionarily negative emotions were more important for survival.
Shame
Is a social child of fear. Humans couldn't physically out compete larger predators so they had to gather in groups. Shame helped control the group through norms. Humans feel shame or embarrassment when they think they cross these norms. Shame is internalized society in us.
the lines are blurry but shame is focused more on in-group judgment vs. embarrassment on internalized norms (one can be embarrassed by things that some group applauds)
Disgust
Excrements, food that is rotten or dirty may poison an animal if consumed. Disgust regulates what is good for an animal to eat or be in contact with.