Negative emotions are any emotions that cause you to feel badly in one way or another. Anger, fear, sadness, despair, frustration, guilt, shame, disgust, disappointment…You name it. We all feel these emotions. Whether you acknowledge them or not, they are there.

In the 1970’s, psychologist Paul Eckman (best known for studying facial expressions and how they relate to emotions) identified six basic emotions: happiness, sadness, disgust, fear, surprise and anger. Interesting that four out of six of these fall into the ‘negative’ category.

In 1980, Psychologist Robert Plutchik identified eight basic emotions: joy, sadness, trust, disgust, fear, anger, anticipation and surprise. Again, four of these eight might be considered negative.

They both went on to expand the range of emotions to include many others. Dr. Plutchik expanded his findings through the wheel of emotions (below) to illustrate the spectrum, degrees and relationships among these emotions.

hope this helps...

Introduction:

In the story "The Last Leaf" by O. Henry, Johnsy, a young artist, falls ill with pneumonia and loses her will to live. Despite the doctor's efforts and Sue's care, Johnsy's condition worsens. Johnsy's negative feelings play a significant role in her ailing state, as they dampen her spirit and drain her of hope. However, there are certain values that can help overcome these negative feelings and infuse a person with the desire to live.

Negative feelings that keep one ailing:

1. Hopelessness: When someone feels hopeless, it becomes difficult for them to see any possibility of improvement or recovery. This negative feeling can make a person lose the will to fight their illness.

2. Depression: The weight of physical illness can often lead to feelings of sadness and despair. Depression can make it challenging to find joy in life and can exacerbate physical symptoms.

3. Isolation: Feeling isolated and alone can contribute to feelings of helplessness and intensify negative emotions. Without the support and companionship of loved ones, it becomes harder to maintain a positive outlook.

4. Fear: Fear of the unknown, fear of death, or fear of prolonged suffering can all contribute to negative feelings that keep one ailing. These fears can be overwhelming and hinder the healing process.

Values that remove negative feelings and infuse a person with desire to live:

1. Support and companionship: Having a strong support system, whether it be friends, family, or healthcare professionals, can provide comfort, encouragement, and a sense of belonging. Knowing that others care about their well-being can instill a desire to fight and recover.

2. Optimism and positivity: Fostering a positive mindset can work wonders in overcoming negative feelings. By focusing on the possibilities of recovery and maintaining a hopeful outlook, one can find the strength to persevere through difficult times.

3. Purpose and goals: Having a sense of purpose and setting achievable goals can provide motivation and a reason to keep fighting. Whether it's pursuing a passion, contributing to a cause, or simply enjoying everyday moments, having something to look forward to can instill a desire to live.

4. Acceptance and resilience: Accepting the reality of the situation and finding the strength to adapt and bounce back can help overcome negative feelings. Resilience allows one to face challenges head-on and find ways to cope with the difficulties, ultimately leading to a renewed desire to live.

Conclusion:

Negative feelings, such as hopelessness, depression, isolation, and fear, can keep one ailing and hinder the healing process. However, values such as support, optimism, purpose, and resilience can help remove these negative feelings and infuse a person with the desire to live. By cultivating these values and seeking the necessary support, individuals can find the strength to overcome their ailments and embrace life once again.