Motivators and Interrupters

In addition to at least joy, anger, fear, and sadness, there are some emotional assistants. Motivators—Surprise and Disgust—enhance the strength of the emotions and may surface in combination with any core emotion. Interrupters—Shame and Guilt—are likely learned reactions. They may be helpful and healthy or false and unhealthy / unhelpful). They “interrupt” what is going on to tell you that something you did is resulting in undesirable outcomes. This gives you a chance to take a look at your behaviors and course correct—and/or apologize—as appropriate.