Social emotions: what are they?

Social emotions are those states that arise only when we are in the company of one or more people.. An example of this would be shame, a feeling that basically arises from putting one’s self-esteem in the eyes of others. They are both positive and negative experiences that orchestrate our relationships and even the way we see ourselves.

Likewise, there is an interesting fact within this area. Each language has the definition of specific emotional states that arise only between social groups. An example of this is found in the German term Schadenfreude. This word can be translated as pleasure when observing the misfortune of others, gloating over the evil of others.

On the other hand, in French we find a much more enriching expression: retrouvailles, symbolizing that joy that we usually experience when we accidentally find someone we haven’t seen in a long time. and who we appreciated. Thus, as we can see, there are many sensations, feelings and reactions that we can experience when we are part of society.

It is because of that Experts usually differentiate individual emotions from social emotions. The latter are perhaps more interesting because they are transferred, they are contagious, they allow us to create links between us and are, sometimes, reasons for problems and disagreements. We analyze it.

Social emotions, what are they?

The role that emotions play in each of our scenarios is decisive. And, interestingly, this is something we are not always aware of. Generally, we understand these psychophysiological states as internal states that prepare us to develop a series of behaviors with which to react to environmental demands.

However, let’s think about it: a large part of these challenges have a lot to do with the groups of people that surround us. Work stress, the complexities of emotional and family relationships, the ties with our friends… We are social creatures and, therefore, it is common for those states we call social emotions to stand out more strongly.

Some studies, such as that from the University of Amsterdam (Netherlands), point out something interesting to think about. The human being is defined by a series of basic emotions, such as joy, fear, sadness, disgust, surprise… Now, possibly, If we did not live in social groups we would never feel a series of states that only arise when we share spaces with other people.

Surely, If we left a child to his own devices on a desert island, he would never develop many of these emotions.those that develop exclusively in a social context for better or worse. We analyze them.

Envy and jealousy

Although they do not mean the same, we can place them almost in the same sphere. Both jealousy and envy They are two of the most classic social emotions that only emerge in relation to our peers..

The desire to have what the other person has and the fear of losing someone’s affection in the hands of third parties outline states that we would never experience if we were alone.

The admiration

This dimension is like one of those Russian dolls: inside it there are many more. Admiration is made of affection, of touches of surprise, attraction and also joy. They are states that we project towards one or more people because there is something about them that we like, that inspires us and that we especially value.

Compassion and feeling of solidarity

It is true that compassion could also be considered an individual emotion. After all, it is possible and quite common to feel compassion for yourself. However, it takes on true meaning when we experience it in relation to others.

Compassion and the feeling of solidarity are two social emotions of great value. Thanks to it we provide help, we mobilize and give meaning to this social aspect of the human being.

Social emotions: love

Love and falling in love constitute those exercises that oxygenate and give life to social emotions. Loving in all its forms, whether it be our partner, children, family or friends, is that psychological tendon that gives us strength, meaning and purpose. Few social emotions are so transcendent.

The shame

We were talking about her at the beginning. Shame is mixed with fear because it makes it impossible for us to show others what we are.. And that fear is nourished by the anguish of other people’s disqualification, of the judgment that other people make of us. This lack of acceptance, appreciation and tolerance towards oneself emerges only in social settings and forms a state that clearly erodes identity and self-esteem.

Guilt and remorse

Guilt and remorse are two of the most common social emotions. Feeling bad for having hurt someone with our behavior, words or attitudes is a recurring thing. from the beginning of time.

Perceiving that we have not acted correctly with someone and suffering for it not only helps us learn from our behavior, it also drives us to want to be better.

The purpose of all these states, internal experiences and sensations forms a unique and transcendent psychological fabric that only grows in group settings. understand it, Knowing what purpose they have and regulating ourselves will facilitate coexistence and well-being.

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