Emotions and Feelings; are they same ?

Have you ever wondered where thoughts and feelings come from? And how emotions are formed ? Here’s a breakdown of each term, alongside insights into what we can control and how we might work on these elements for a better life.

1. Thoughts

Thoughts are mental representations or ideas. In psychology, they’re understood as cognitive processes that help us interpret, understand, and react to the world. Thoughts are highly influenced by personal beliefs, biases, and life experiences. They are quick and automatic and can often feel like they’re out of our control, but with practice, we can become more aware of and modify them.

Scientific Reasoning: Thoughts are based on neuronal activity in the brain’s cortex, especially the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for decision-making, planning, and rational thinking. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), for example, focuses on identifying and modifying distorted or irrational thoughts to help people improve mental well-being.

Philosophical Insight: The Stoics, especially Epictetus, emphasized the concept that "it’s not things that upset us but our judgment about things." This highlights that our thoughts and interpretations shape our reality more than the events themselves.

Control Level: High. With practice and awareness, we can recognize irrational or unhelpful thought patterns and change them through techniques like mindfulness and cognitive restructuring.

Modification Example: To counter negative thoughts, one might use CBT techniques such as thought recording, where they log automatic thoughts, examine evidence for and against them, and then create balanced alternatives.

2. Emotions

Emotions are complex responses involving physiological arousal, expressive behaviors, and conscious experience. They are often a reaction to thoughts or situations and have a shorter lifespan than feelings. Emotions like fear, anger, and joy evolved as survival mechanisms, helping humans react to immediate stimuli.

Scientific Reasoning: Emotions are largely regulated by the limbic system, including the amygdala, which is responsible for processing emotional reactions, especially those tied to survival.

Philosophical Insight: Aristotle believed emotions are essential to virtue and argued that we should aim for a balanced response. He described this balance as the “Golden Mean,” where each emotion has an appropriate time and way to be expressed.

Control Level: Moderate. While emotions are automatic, our responses to them can be modified. Techniques like mindfulness or grounding exercises can help reduce the intensity of an emotional reaction.

Modification Example: Practicing mindfulness can allow a person to observe their emotions without immediately reacting, creating a “pause” between the stimulus and response.

3. Feelings

Feelings are the subjective interpretation of emotions, providing a personal, often narrative-driven understanding of our emotional state. While emotions are more physiological, feelings are shaped by thoughts and personal experiences. Feelings last longer than emotions and can sometimes be harder to pinpoint.

Scientific Reasoning: Feelings are processed in the brain through the integration of emotional and cognitive areas, such as the prefrontal cortex and the limbic system. They are highly influenced by an individual’s memories, experiences, and beliefs.

Philosophical Insight: Existential philosophers, such as Jean-Paul Sartre, suggested that feelings and experiences help individuals construct meaning. Our feelings influence how we perceive life, allowing us to create narratives that define our personal reality.

Control Level: Moderate. Feelings can be understood, processed, and, in some cases, reframed through therapy or reflective practices.

Modification Example: Journaling about one’s feelings can help an individual process and make sense of them, leading to greater self-awareness and a sense of control over their emotional landscape.

4. Behavior

Behavior is the outward expression or action that results from thoughts, emotions, and feelings. While it is influenced by these inner processes, behavior is the most directly observable and modifiable part of our psychology.

Scientific Reasoning: The brain’s motor cortex and other related areas control physical actions, and behaviors are also influenced by reinforcement, punishment, and environmental cues. Behavioral psychology emphasizes that our environment significantly influences our actions and habits.

Philosophical Insight: According to behaviorist B.F. Skinner, who had a deterministic view, human behavior is largely shaped by consequences. In contrast, existential philosophers like Viktor Frankl argued for personal responsibility and free will in our behavioral choices, suggesting we have the power to choose our response in any situation.

Control Level: Highest. Behavior is something we can change directly, even if our thoughts and feelings are not yet in alignment. Over time, changing our behavior can influence our thoughts and feelings—a principle often used in behavioral therapy.

Modification Example: If someone wants to cultivate calmness, they might practice regular deep-breathing exercises or mindful movement. This behavioral change can then lead to reduced anxiety, gradually influencing thoughts and emotions.

Putting It All Together for a Better Life

To achieve a more balanced and fulfilling life, understanding the interaction between thoughts, emotions, feelings, and behavior is essential. By practicing mindfulness, cognitive restructuring, emotional regulation techniques, and consistent behavioral changes, individuals can work toward healthier and more intentional ways of living. Emphasizing what is within our control—our thoughts and behaviors—empowers us to gradually reshape our feelings and emotional responses over time.