Psychological research over the last century has shown that fear, shame, pride, and related emotions serve crucial social functions. Fear alerts us to danger and promotes group survival (Joseph LeDoux, 1996), shame helps maintain social bonds by signalling when we’ve violated norms (June Tangney & Ronda Dearing, 2002), and pride reinforces socially valued achievements and motivates prosocial behaviour (Jessica L. Tracy & Richard W. Robins, 2007). Foundational work on universal emotional expression was conducted by Paul Ekman in the 1970s showing how emotions communicate across cultures. These insights align with a Christian understanding of human nature as created and fallen, where fear can lead us to “fear the Lord” as the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10), shame can prompt repentance (Psalm 51:3–4), and rightly ordered pride (humble joy in one’s gifts) can reflect gratitude to God (1 Corinthians 4:7), while excessive pride warns us of the danger of self-exaltation (Proverbs 16:18). Psychological studies and theological insights in this area illustrate that emotional awareness supports personal wellbeing by fostering empathy, moral repair, and resilience, and supports societal health by promoting cooperation, accountability, and shared values that mirror the Biblical call to love one’s neighbour (Matthew 22:39).