Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA) BA State Certification Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT one of the seven universal emotions?

1. Joy

2. Sadness

3. Contempt

4. Jealousy

The correct answer is: Jealousy

The choice identified as the correct answer is attributed to the understanding that the seven universal emotions recognized in psychological studies are typically joy, sadness, fear, disgust, anger, surprise, and contempt. Jealousy is not included in this list as a universal emotion, even though it is a common feeling experienced across cultures. Universal emotions are those that are recognized and expressed similarly by people around the world, whereas jealousy is more nuanced and varies significantly in expression and interpretation depending on cultural contexts. This distinction highlights the importance of understanding the foundational emotions that are universally acknowledged as fundamental to human experience, which aids in emotional intelligence and interpersonal communication. By recognizing what constitutes universal emotions, it allows for more effective assessment in various fields, including psychology, law enforcement, and social work. Thus, identifying jealousy as not being one of these universally recognized emotions emphasizes the broader spectrum of human feelings that can exist outside of the seven core categories.