THE SQUARE OF BASIC EMOTIONS MODEL AS A PRACTICAL SELF-REGULATION TOOL FOR DEVELOPING PERSONALITY’S EMOTIONAL AWARENESS AND EMOTIONAL RESILIENCE

Abstract

DOI: https://doi.org/10.26565/2074-8922-2026-86-36

Purpose. The article aims to present the Square of Basic Emotions model (SBE Model) as a universal practical self-regulation tool for developing Emotional Awareness and Emotional Resilience.

Methods. The SBE Model is based on Damasio's neuropsychological concept of emotion [6], considering each emotion as a signal of deficit or disturbance of internal or social balance.

The model was developed based on empirical research conducted within the online School of Emotional Literacy. A total of 238 volunteers from Ukraine participated in the study (12 small groups in both online and offline formats), including 38% men and 62% women, aged 27–45 years. Through structured discussions and questionnaires, a wide spectrum of emotions (n = 60 emotive lexemes) was classified into clusters using a signal‑based approach derived from Plutchik’s psycho‑evolutionary theory of emotion [24].

To justify the Model, the methodological section employed a comprehensive set of statistical procedures: inter‑rater agreement assessment via Fleiss’ k [11]; verification of the four‑cluster structure using the χ² test of independence and Cramér’s V effect size, supplemented by Correspondence Analysis (CA) for visual inspection of the latent structure [14]; and item‑level validity analysis using match proportions and 95% Wilson confidence intervals [30].

Results. Statistical analysis revealed a stable four‑cluster structure. The broad spectrum of emotions was classified into four conditionally basic emotions: joy, fear, guilt/shame, and anger. The SBE Model is based on the premise that emotions function as signals of an imbalance between expectation and reality, aimed at restoring adaptive equilibrium in communication and the social environment [24]. However, unlike Plutchik’s psycho‑evolutionary theory, the SBE Model includes not eight but four basic emotions. This simplified classification of emotional experiences allows for rapid identification of the key emotional state, its functional role, and facilitates immediate transition to practical problem‑solving. The model demonstrated robust psychometric properties, including high measurement precision and internal consistency.

Conclusions. The SBE Model is a reliable tool for self‑regulation. On the one hand, it enables rapid identification of emotional states and enhances emotional awareness; on the other hand, it supports the development of emotional resilience during practical problem‑solving through the application of a five‑component algorithm—Situation → Emotion → Thought → Action = Result (SETAR)—which shortens the time required for adaptive responses in stressful situations. Thus, the SBE Model integrates emotional diagnostics with behavioral correction, complementing both therapeutic approaches (e.g., Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy [9]) and educational frameworks such as the RULER approach [3].