In these reflections on Inside Out 2, renowned psychologist Dr. Paul Ekman explores the film's portrayal of anxiety, embarrassment, envy, and identity formation. Drawing on decades of emotion research, he examines what the movie gets right, where it departs from the science, and why emotional awareness matters during adolescence.
On Fear and being Afraid
In this excerpt from the Atlas of Emotions, Dr. Paul Ekman explores fear as one of the universal human emotions. He examines fear's triggers, physical sensations, facial expressions, vocal cues, and evolutionary purpose, while highlighting the important role fear plays in protecting us from harm and helping us respond to danger.
Cultivating Empathy and Compassion
In this article, psychologist Paul Ekman explores the relationship between empathy, emotional resonance, and compassion. He describes the importance of recognizing emotions in others, distinguishes between different forms of emotional resonance, and outlines four expressions of compassion ranging from concern for family members to concern for all living beings.