Common Triggers
- →Feeling superior to someone
- →Perceiving incompetence in others
- →Repeated frustration with the same person
- →History of unresolved conflicts
- →Exposure to behaviors you find distasteful
- →Situations where you feel your authority is challenged
Physical Sensations
- •Tight jaw
- •Raised eyebrows
- •Slight smirk
- •Shoulder tension
- •Increased heart rate
- •Clenched fists
Plutchik's Emotion Wheel
contempt
Working with This Emotion
Recognize
Contempt often manifests as a tight jaw, raised eyebrows, and a slight smirk. You might feel a sense of superiority or irritation. Common associated words include 'abuse,' 'aggressive,' 'annoyed,' and 'bitter.'
Understand
Common causes of contempt include feeling superior to others, perceiving someone as incompetent, or experiencing repeated frustration with the same person. It can also arise from a history of unresolved conflicts.
Label
To label contempt precisely, note the mix of anger and disgust. Distinguish it from similar emotions like resentment (anger towards a higher-status individual) and anger (directed at equals). Contempt is specifically directed at those you view as lower status.
Express
Healthy ways to express contempt include setting clear boundaries, communicating your concerns respectfully, and finding constructive outlets for your feelings. Avoid dismissive or cruel behaviors that can harm relationships.
Regulate
Strategies to regulate contempt include mindfulness practices, deep breathing, and reframing the situation to focus on empathy and understanding. Engage in activities that promote positive emotions and reduce stress.
Co-occurring Emotions
Emotions that frequently appear alongside contempt, based on the NRC Emotion Lexicon.
Associated Words
Words associated with contempt from the NRC Emotion Lexicon.
Using Inner
Using Inner, you can track patterns of when and why contempt arises. Notice physical sensations like tension in your jaw or shoulders. Write about what triggers these feelings and explore how they affect your relationships. Use regulation strategies like deep breathing or reframing to manage contempt constructively.
Try Inner for FreeSources & References
- —RULER Framework (Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence)
- —Plutchik's Wheel of Emotions
- —Geneva Emotion Wheel
- —Lisa Feldman Barrett - How Emotions Are Made
Related Content
Disgust
A feeling of revulsion or strong disapproval.
Hostility
Hostile behavior; unfriendliness or opposition.
Inner Critic
The internalized critical voice that harshly judges, shames, and undermines self-worth.
Personal Unconscious
The layer of the unconscious containing personal memories and complexes.
Splitting
Seeing people or situations as entirely good or entirely bad, with no middle ground.
House
A dwelling structure, often representing the self, security, or different aspects of personality.