Experiencing emotion

Research on the types of emotional experiences that show themselves in facial expressions suggests that there are a limited number of distinct emotions, called primary affects. One common list of primary affects goes like this: happiness, sadness, surprise, fear, anger, and disgust. (Shame and excitement have also been suggested as primary affects, but the evidence for them is not as conclusive.)

Each of these basic emotions can be experienced alone or in a blend of several emotions. When the winner of a contest is announced, that person will probably experience a blend of surprise and happiness. A police officer who discovers a case of child abuse will probably experience a blend of sadness, anger, and disgust.