How Many Feelings Are There? | The 27 Emotions

Can you recall the last time your child came running to you, eyes brimming with tears, or the moment they burst into a room, their face lit up with joy? As a professional who works with kids, I can almost see these vivid scenes unfold before my eyes. Emotions, in all their varied hues, are a fundamental part of our human experience. They are the colors that paint our life’s canvas, and understanding them can provide a deeper insight into our children’s world. So, how many emotions are there? According to a 2017 study, there are 27 distinct categories of human emotion. In this blog post, we will explore these emotions, their impact on our children’s behavior, and how we, as caregivers, can navigate this emotional landscape. We’ll discuss everything from the science behind emotions to practical tips for managing emotional outbursts. So, whether you’re trying to decode your toddler’s tantrums or helping your neurodivergent child express their feelings, this post is your guide to the world of emotions.

27 Shades of Feeling

Scientists have identified a whopping 27 distinct categories of human emotion, from the bubbly joy of amusement to the quiet contentment of calmness. But that’s not all! Psychologist Robert Plutchik proposed eight “basic” emotions that form the building blocks of our emotional experience:

• Anger: That fiery feeling when things don’t go our way.
• Fear: The jitters we get when facing something scary.
• Sadness: The heaviness in our hearts when we feel down.
• Disgust: The yucky feeling we get when something is unpleasant.
• Surprise: The wide-eyed wonder when something unexpected happens.
• Anticipation: The excited butterflies before something fun.
• Trust: The warm feeling of knowing someone has our back.
• Joy: The pure happiness that makes us want to sing and dance.

Primary Emotion	Intensity	Combination Emotion	Description
Joy	High	Ecstasy	Overwhelming happiness and delight.
	Medium	Serenity	Peaceful contentment and satisfaction.
	Low	Love	Affection and care for another person.
Sadness	High	Grief	Overwhelming sorrow and despair.
	Medium	Pensiveness	Melancholy and contemplation.
	Low	Loneliness	Isolation and lack of connection.
Anger	High	Rage	Intense anger and hatred.
	Medium	Annoyance	Mild irritation and frustration.
	Low	Contempt	Disdain and disapproval.
Fear	High	Terror	Overwhelming dread and panic.
	Medium	Apprehension	Unease and worry about the future.
	Low	Surprise	Sudden shock and astonishment.
Surprise	High	Amazement	Wonder and awe.
	Medium	Distraction	Loss of focus and attention.
	Low	Vigilance	Cautious awareness and alertness.
Trust	High	Admiration	Respect and appreciation for someone’s qualities.
	Medium	Acceptance	Openness and willingness to receive something.
	Low	Optimism	Hopeful expectation of positive outcomes.
Disgust	High	Loathing	Intense aversion and repulsion.
	Medium	Boredom	Lack of interest and engagement.
	Low	Remorse	Regret and guilt for past actions.
Anticipation	High	Excitement	Thrilling anticipation of a positive event.
	Medium	Interest	Curiosity and engagement with something.
	Low	Skepticism	Doubt and suspicion about something.

Remember, how many emotions there are isn’t the important question. What truly matters is helping our kids understand and express these emotions in healthy ways.

Read more: Emotions Quiz for Kids

Emotions and Neurodivergent Kids

Understanding emotions becomes even more critical when we’re dealing with neurodivergent kids. Their emotional landscape can be quite different from their peers. For example, a child with autism might experience emotions more intensely or have difficulty expressing their feelings. This doesn’t mean they don’t feel — far from it. It just means we need to learn their unique emotional language.

Every child is unique, and their emotional needs will vary. Here are some additional tips for tailoring your approach based on your child’s specific differences:

• Kids with ADHD: They might struggle with emotional regulation and impulsivity. Focus on teaching calming techniques and providing clear structures and routines.
• Kids on the Autism Spectrum: They might have difficulty reading social cues and understanding emotional nuances. Use social stories and visual aids to explain emotions and social situations.
• Kids with Anxiety: They might experience fear and worry more intensely. Focus on relaxation techniques and teaching them to challenge negative thoughts.

Goally | The Tablet for Neurodiverse Kids

Beyond the Basics: Tailoring Our Approach

While these categories offer a helpful starting point, it’s crucial to remember that every child is unique. Kids with neurodivergent differences may process and express emotions differently. Some might be more sensitive to certain triggers, while others might struggle to identify their own feelings. So, how do we tailor our approach?

Building Emotional Intelligence: Brick by Brick

Think of emotional intelligence (EQ) as a set of tools that helps us understand, manage, and express our emotions. For neurodivergent kids, building these tools can be especially empowering. Here are some key strategies to get you started:

1. Become an Emotion Detective:

• Label & Identify: Help your child name their emotions. Use simple, kid-friendly words like “happy,” “frustrated,” or “worried.” Show them picture charts or emotion wheels to visually identify their feelings.
• Mirror & Validate: Reflect their emotions back to them. For example, “I see you’re feeling frustrated because your tower fell down. That’s okay, everyone gets frustrated sometimes.” This validates their feelings and builds trust.
• Explore Triggers: Work together to identify situations or sensory inputs that might trigger strong emotions. Once you know the triggers, you can develop coping mechanisms.

2. Foster Emotional Expression:

• Creative Outlets: Encourage creative expression through art, music, movement, or storytelling. These activities allow kids to express their emotions in a safe and non-judgmental space.
• Role-Playing: Practice expressing emotions in different scenarios. Act out how to ask for help when feeling overwhelmed or how to say “no” politely. This builds social-emotional skills in a playful way.
• Open Communication: Create a safe space for your child to talk about their feelings without judgment. Listen actively and avoid dismissing their emotions.

3. Teach Coping Mechanisms:

• Calming Techniques: Deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and sensory activities like listening to calming music or squeezing a stress ball can help regulate emotions.
• Mindfulness Practices: Simple mindfulness exercises like focusing on their breath or counting to ten can help kids stay present and manage overwhelming emotions.
• Positive Self-Talk: Encourage positive affirmations like “I can do this” or “I’m brave.” This helps build self-confidence and resilience.

Remember: Building emotional intelligence is a journey, not a destination. There will be ups and downs, successes and setbacks. But by providing consistent support, using these strategies, and celebrating every step forward, you’ll empower your child to become the master of their own emotions.

Remember, navigating the emotional world with a neurodivergent child can feel like a thrilling yet bumpy rollercoaster ride. But by understanding the vast spectrum of emotions (how many emotions are there? More than you think!) and equipping your child with the tools of emotional intelligence, you can transform this ride into a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. So, pack your patience, celebrate every victory, and remember, you’re not alone. With these strategies and the support of professionals, you can guide your child towards becoming a confident master of their emotions, ready to conquer the world with a smile!

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FAQ’s About How Many Emotions There Are

How many emotions are there?
According to a 2017 study, there are 27 distinct categories of human emotion.

What are some examples of these emotions?
Examples include Admiration, Adoration, Aesthetic appreciation, Amusement, Anger, Anxiety, Awe, Awkwardness, Boredom, and Calmness.

Can multiple emotions be elicited from a single event?
Yes, it's common for multiple emotions to be elicited from a single event.

What are the universal categories of emotion?
The universal categories of emotion are Happiness, Sadness, Anger, Surprise, Fear, and Disgust.

How many expressions can our faces make?
According to the University of California, Berkeley, our faces are capable of making more than 10,000 expressions.