Title: Secondary Emotions and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Headings: Secondary Emotions and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Secondary Emotions and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Definition
Changing One's Beliefs About Emotions
How Therapy Can Help
A Word From Verywell

Content: Secondary Emotions and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
PTSD
Secondary Emotions and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
By
Matthew Tull, PhD
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Matthew Tull, PhD is a professor of psychology at the University of Toledo, specializing in post-traumatic stress disorder. Learn about our editorial process
Matthew Tull, PhD
Reviewed by
Reviewed by David Susman, PhD on April 26, 2020
David Susman, PhD is a licensed clinical psychologist with experience providing treatment to individuals with mental illness and substance use concerns. Learn about our Review Board
David Susman, PhD
on April 26, 2020
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What is the definition of secondary emotions? Find out what these emotions are and why people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health problems are vulnerable to them. Definition
Secondary emotions are emotional reactions we have to other emotions. For example, a person may feel ashamed as a result of becoming anxious or sad. In this case, anxiety would be the primary emotion while shame would be the secondary emotion. Secondary emotions are often caused by the beliefs we have about experiencing certain emotions. Some people may believe that being anxious or sad is a sign of weakness or says something negative about them as people. Therefore, whenever these emotions are experienced, these thoughts come up, which trigger secondary emotions.