Part 7: Understanding Emotions

Part of the series "Emotional Resonance: The Science and Philosophy of Color and Vibration"

Wheel of Emotions (1980)

Psychologist Robert Plutchik developed a psycho-evolutionary theory of emotion that remains a cornerstone in the study of emotions. In 1980, Plutchik introduced the Wheel of Emotions, a visual tool that illustrates the relationships between different emotions and their intensities. He identified eight primary emotions—anger, fear, sadness, disgust, surprise, anticipation, trust, and joy—each linked to adaptive behaviors essential for survival.

Plutchik's theory posits that these primary emotions can combine to form more complex emotional states, similar to how colors blend on a color wheel. His model emphasizes the idea that emotions are universal across species and have evolved to help organisms respond to survival challenges. This theory provides a foundational understanding of how emotions can be classified and how they interact, forming the basis for more complex emotional experiences.

Theories of Emotional Regulation

Research by James Gross and others in the late 1990s through the 2000s has greatly expanded the understanding of how individuals can manage and alter their emotional responses. Gross’s work identified several key strategies for emotion regulation:

1. Cognitive Reappraisal: Changing the way one thinks about a situation to alter its emotional impact. This strategy is generally effective at reducing negative emotional experiences.
2. Expression Suppression: Inhibiting outward emotional expression, which may reduce behavioral responses but often intensifies internal emotional experiences.
3. Acceptance-Oriented Therapy: As part of the third wave of behavioral therapies, this approach focuses on acknowledging and embracing emotions rather than avoiding them, which can lead to more adaptive emotional regulation.

The Emotional Guidance Scale (2004)

Building on these foundational theories, the Emotional Guidance Scale by Esther and Jerry Hicks categorizes emotions on a spectrum, from low-frequency states like fear and despair to high-frequency states such as joy and love. The scale serves as a practical tool for emotional self-regulation, helping individuals identify where they are emotionally and offering steps to move toward more positive emotional states.

Here’s a simplified version of the scale:

1. Joy/Appreciation/Love
2. Passion
3. Enthusiasm
4. Positive Expectation
5. Optimism
6. Hopefulness
7. Contentment
8. Boredom
9. Pessimism
10. Frustration/Impatience
11. Disappointment
12. Doubt
13. Worry
14. Blame
15. Discouragement
16. Anger
17. Revenge
18. Hatred/Rage
19. Jealousy
20. Insecurity/Guilt/Unworthiness
21. Fear/Grief/Depression/Despair

The Circumplex Model of Affect (2005)

In contrast to the theory of basic emotions, Posner, Russell, and Peterson proposed the Circumplex Model of Affect, described in a 2005 paper. This model suggests that all affective states arise from two independent neurophysiological systems: valence (ranging from pleasure to displeasure) and arousal (ranging from low to high alertness). Rather than being discrete and independent, emotions are seen as products of varying degrees of valence and arousal, forming a continuum rather than distinct categories.

The Circumplex Model challenges the traditional view of basic emotions by emphasizing that emotions are not isolated, independent entities. Instead, they are overlapping experiences that can be understood as combinations of different levels of valence and arousal. This approach provides a more nuanced understanding of emotions and is particularly useful in studying affective disorders, offering insights into the comorbidity of mood and anxiety disorders.

Integrating Color and Vibration

Throughout these developments in emotional theory, integrating color and vibrational frequencies has become an increasingly recognized tool for emotional regulation. Each color corresponds to a specific frequency and can be used to influence mood and help individuals move up the Emotional Spiral:

• Red (High Energy, Passion): Associated with vitality and motivation, red can help transition from apathy or despair to action.
• Blue (Calmness, Clarity): Linked with tranquility and mental clarity, blue is effective for alleviating anxiety and frustration.
• Green (Balance, Harmony): Green provides peace and renewal, aiding in the transition from worry to contentment.
• Yellow (Optimism, Clarity): Useful for fostering optimism and combatting feelings of doubt.
• Purple (Intuition, Spiritual Awareness): Encourages spiritual growth and confidence, helping to move from insecurity to a sense of empowerment.

The Framework

The Emotional Guidance Scale, Wheel of Emotions, and research in emotion regulation, can be a framework for understanding and improving emotional well-being. By integrating the principles of color, vibration, and strategic emotion regulation, individuals can effectively navigate their emotional landscapes, promoting a healthier, more balanced state of being.

Up Next...

Part 8: The Frequency App

In the final part of this series, we explore how to use the Frequency app to change your perception and ascend the emotional spiral.

Please explore https://frequency.kennewton.com

References

1. Watson, David, and Auke Tellegen. "Toward a Consensual Structure of Mood." PubMed - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3901060/
2. Posner, Jonathan, James A. Russell, and Bradley S. Peterson. "The Circumplex Model of Affect: An Integrative Approach to Affective Neuroscience, Cognitive Development, and Psychopathology." PMC - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2367156/
3. Larsen, Randy J., and Edward Diener. "Promises and Problems with the Circumplex Model of Emotion." PMC - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2367156/
4. Zhang, Yun. "A Theoretic Review of Emotion Regulation." Psychology, vol. 6, no. 12, 2015, pp. 1511-1523. SCIRP - https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation.aspx?paperid=63745
5. Plutchik, Robert. "Robert Plutchik's Theory of Emotion." Wikipedia, 2024. Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Plutchik