Discrete Emotions
19 evidence-labeled concepts on Discrete Emotions, drawn from the Shrink Atlas. Each concept is a short lesson: what it is, why it matters, how to work with it. Explore the list, or start with the one that fits your question today.
Anger
Anger is a high-arousal feeling triggered by blocked goals or perceived wrongs.
Awe
Awe is wonder in the face of something vast that shifts your perspective.
Basic Emotions
Basic emotions is the theory that a small set of feelings is universal and built in.
Contentment
Contentment is calm, low-key satisfaction with how things are.
Discrete Emotions
Discrete emotions treats feelings as separate, named categories with their own patterns.
Disgust
Disgust is revulsion that drives avoidance of something seen as contaminating or offensive.
Embarrassment
Embarrassment is a self-conscious feeling from being exposed in an awkward social moment.
Envy
Envy is discomfort at another person having something you want and lack.
Fear
Fear is a high-arousal feeling that responds to real or anticipated threat.
Frustration
Frustration is thwarted effort with nowhere to go.
Guilt
Guilt is a feeling focused on a specific wrong action rather than the whole self.
Jealousy
Jealousy guards a relationship you don't want to lose.
Joy
Joy is a bright, energizing pleasant feeling that lifts you up.
Loneliness
Loneliness is distress from a gap between the connection you have and the connection you want.
Pride
Pride is a self-conscious pleasant feeling about achievement, with an authentic and a hubristic form.
Relief
Relief is the exhale after the brace.
Resentment
Resentment is a grievance that won't cool down.
Sadness
Sadness is a low-energy feeling that typically follows loss or disappointment.
Shame
Shame is a painful, global feeling that the self is flawed.
How this library is organized
Every concept in Discrete Emotions lives in one of six realms of the Shrink Atlas and carries an honest evidence label. This page is a navigation aid; the concept pages are where the lessons are. Follow one, or come back tomorrow for the daily concept.
See the whole Atlas · See the frameworks that use these concepts · See guided pathways