Why Do We Have Emotions? The Complex Tapestry of Human Emotions: Unraveling the "Whys" and "Hows"

Why Do We Have Emotions? The Complex Tapestry of Human Emotions: Unraveling the Whys and Hows

Written by Locke Curfman, LPC-S, Co-Clinical Director

In the intricate mosaic of human experience, emotions play a profound role that shapes our perceptions, actions, and interactions. But why do humans possess such a complex spectrum of emotions? Scientists and psychologists have delved into this question, uncovering a blend of evolutionary, neurological, and social factors that contribute to the rich tapestry of human emotional life.  As a therapist, one of my first goals is to evaluate my clients’ emotions and use the findings to help develop treatment options. Healthy emotions serve a purpose of helping us learn, adapt, and create solutions to problems.

Wounded or distorted emotions are different and much like an instrument that is out of tune or a technical gauge like an airplane’s altimeter that is not properly calibrated. For the musical instrument, the result is poor quality music but for the airplane, a miscalibrated gauge could result in a crash and serious injury or death. Distorted or wounded emotions can, therefore, have a range of outward effects, some disturbing but not serious and others potentially life threatening.

At its core, emotions are believed to have evolved as adaptive responses to help our ancestors navigate a dynamic and often perilous environment.

According to therapist Katie O’Shea, in the edited textbook “EMDR Solutions II”, there are twelve (12) basic emotions broken into six (6) “Life Preserving or Protective” emotions (Guilt, Self-Compassion, Fear, Disgust, Anger, and Sadness) and six (6) “Life Enhancing or Connective” emotions (Pride, Gratitude, Curiosity, Enjoyment, Love, and Loveable).

Two of the Protective emotions are notable:

Fear, for instance, served as a survival mechanism, alerting early humans to potential dangers and triggering the fight-or-flight response. However, distorted fear can result in the development of phobias where we fear “everything” and may begin to avoid potential stimuli such that we are not able to participate in or enjoy life.

Anger is actually a useful emotion as it tells our brains and bodies that we’ve been hurt, there’s an injustice, and we need to take action to “right the wrong.” However, distorted anger usually is represented in rage where we are out of control, break objects, and hurt ourselves and/or others. Societally, anger properly expressed is peaceful, non-violent protesting over an injustice. Distorted anger would be rioting, looting, and violence against others.

Similarly, Connective emotions like Gratitude and Love might have fostered social bonds, promoting cooperation and group cohesion in a world where strength in numbers often meant increased chances of survival. However, when distorted, Gratitude can become entitlement where I am not thankful for things done for or given to me but rather I expect them and believe I am “owed” them for no particular reason. This type of emotion divides rather than unites.

Wounded or distorted Love can become codependency where my identity is based on another person and not my own. This also divides when people are not allowed or are driven to be someone other than their true selves.

From a neurological standpoint, the intricate dance of neurotransmitters, hormones, and brain regions orchestrates the symphony of emotions. The amygdala, a small almond-shaped structure in the brain, is a key player in processing emotional stimuli and generating rapid responses. Meanwhile, the prefrontal cortex modulates and refines these emotions, allowing us to regulate our feelings and make rational decisions. The interplay between these brain regions underscores the intricate balance between our emotional and logical faculties. For example when there is is a disconnect between logic and emotion such as what happens when we experience trauma, the limbic system can move into “fight, flight, or freeze” mode and the interplay can result in dysregulation of the normally smooth functioning of these structures.

Yet, emotions extend beyond mere survival mechanisms and neural pathways. They are integral to the human experience, shaping our relationships, creativity, and sense of self. Social factors, cultural upbringing, and personal experiences further color our emotional palette. Emotions enable us to empathize with others, convey our thoughts and feelings, and connect on a deeply human level. As we continue to unravel the mysteries of emotions, we inch closer to understanding what it truly means to be human.

As a recap, the question of why humans have emotions is a multifaceted inquiry that intertwines evolutionary, neurological, and social dimensions. Emotions emerged as adaptive responses to help our ancestors navigate a challenging world, fostering survival and social cohesion. Neurological processes and brain regions intricately weave together to orchestrate our emotional experiences. Beyond their functional roles, emotions define our humanity, shaping our relationships, perceptions, and ability to connect with the world around us.