About Emotion

Abstract Much of what we do and how we do it is influenced by emotions and the conditions that generate them. Pride and joy about our children revitalize our commitment to advance and protect the well-being of our family. Loss undermines our appreciation of life and may lead to withdrawal and depression. Anger at being wronged mobilizes and directs us toward retribution. When “blinded by rage,” our thinking is impaired, which places us at risk. It is even said with good reason that emotions contribute to physical and mental health and illness; positive emotions to health, negative to illness.