๐Ÿง ap psychology review

Ekman's universal emotions theory

Written by the Fiveable Content Team โ€ข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโ€ขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โ€ข Last updated September 2025

Definition

Ekman's universal emotions theory is a concept in psychology that suggests there are six basic emotions (happiness, sadness, anger, fear, surprise, and disgust) that are universally expressed and recognized across different cultures.

Pep mascot

"Ekman's universal emotions theory" also found in: