Could we think about friendship relationships without emotions? the other-oriented emotions

Abstract

With the purpose of providing conceptual elements to help educators and psychologists in the development of friendship relationships through emotions, this article a) describes the essential elements of friendship and b) psychologically analyses its emotional content. The relation between those emotions and their certain hierarchical nature leads us to pay attention to the presence of other-directed emotions and other-oriented emotions. We use the analysis of theoretical and applied studies, especially from emotion and social psychology, which confirm the description of friendship. They appear as emotions linked to friendship: love, attachment, affinity, self-esteem (its emotional dimension), altruism, embarrassment, and hope; also, wellness and satisfaction are emotions of friendship. In a negative way, resentment, envy, susceptibility, jealousy and shyness. Psychology leads to the differentiation, among others, of emotions that provoke a benefit to oneself (attachment), derived emotions (well-being, satisfaction), selfless emotions (altruism), emotions that raise the friend (compassion and forgiveness) and reciprocal emotions (empathy, affinity). Especially love stands out. Its specific notes suggest new studies. It is recommended, in order to perform a psychological or educational intervention, to promote selflessness and decentering, as well as the ability to compromise and assume responsibilities, to be able to have deep friendships.