How affect shapes status: distinct emotional experiences and expressions facilitate social hierarchy navigation

All human societies are organized hierarchically, and individuals who occupy positions of high social rank typically acquire fitness advantages over lower ranking group members. Here, we argue that certain emotions function, at least in part, to help individuals successfully navigate these hierarchies. We review evidence suggesting that nine distinct emotions — pride, shame, anger, fear, sadness, disgust, contempt, envy, and admiration —...