The Feelings Field Guide : Emotion Science Flashcards and Guidebook
Turn Emotion Science into Everyday Skills
- Science-Backed Learning: Built on the primary research and expertise of Drs. Paul and Eve Ekman.
- Practical Exercises: Quiz and reflection activities to build emotional intelligence.
- Versatile Use: Perfect for self-study, partner inquiry, classroom learning, team-building, or therapy support.
- Comprehensive Guidebook: Dives deep into the science and insights behind each emotion.
What’s Inside
- Explore the seven universal emotions (anger, contempt, disgust, fear, happiness, sadness, surprise) from the inside out, and outside in with this 92-card deck and accompanying guidebook.
- Discover the anatomy of emotional expressions.
- Quiz yourself to identify facial expressions on a variety of faces.
- Deepen your emotional awareness with guided reflection questions, exercises and strategies.
“A little game, a little skill-building, a lot of connection—this field guide makes emotions fun to explore on your own or with others.”
-Dr. Eve Ekman
Why it’s Unique
- Based on over 50 years of emotion science research by Dr. Paul Ekman.
- Developed with Dr. Eve Ekman’s expertise in contemplative practice and emotional well-being.
- Designed for both solo learning and group activities.
How You Can Use It
- Expand mindfulness and self-awareness practices for personal growth.
- Strengthen empathy and connection in relationships.
- Improve your emotional literacy and communication at work.
- Support emotional education in classrooms.
- Provide assistance in therapeutic modalities.
$54
Shipping Costs
Customers are responsible for shipping costs, which will be calculated and displayed during checkout.
For any questions, feel free to reach out to our customer service at custserv@paulekman.com.
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While we package all items carefully, we cannot guarantee against delays or damage resulting from customs handling.
If your order arrives damaged, please contact us within 5 days of delivery with photos so we can assist you.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the Feelings Field Guide?
The Feelings Field Guide is a practical, science-based tool designed to help you recognize and understand emotions through facial expressions and guided reflection questions about your experience and response to emotions. Based on decades of research, it serves as a quick-reference companion for learning emotional awareness in real-life situations.
It’s ideal for educators, therapists, coaches, HR professionals, parents, students, and anyone interested in improving emotional intelligence.
What are some ways I can use the Feelings Field Guide?
There a lot of ways you can use it! The Feelings Field Guide can be used on your own, with a partner, or in a group setting.
Inside the box, you’ll find a guidebook and a deck of cards. You can begin by reading the guidebook to learn about the science of emotions, or jump straight into the activities on the cards.
To practice identifying emotional expressions, use the emotion flashcards:
- Shuffle the deck.
- Look at the expression on the front of the card.
- Guess the emotion.
- Check your answer on the back.
You can also explore the reflection exercise cards. There are two ways to use them:
- Focus on one emotion at a time and complete all of the related exercises.
- Focus on one type of exercise (for example, reflection or discussion prompts) and work through that exercise across multiple emotions.
Use the guide in whatever way feels most engaging and helpful, whether you’re building your own emotional awareness or facilitating discussion with others.
What emotions are included in the Field Guide?
The guide covers 7 core emotions identified in cross-cultural research, including:
- Anger
- Contempt
- Disgust
- Enjoyment
- Fear
- Sadness
- Surprise
Each emotion section includes:
- Information about the evolutionary function of the emotion
- Examples and descriptions of the emotional facial expression
- Flashcards to practice your emotion recognition
- Guided inquiry about your emotional triggers and experience
- Practical insights and strategies for responding to the emotion
What scientific research is the Feelings Field Guide based on?
The Feelings Field Guide is grounded in more than 50 years of scientific research on emotion and facial expression.
It draws from the cross-cultural research of Dr. Paul Ekman, whose studies demonstrated that certain facial expressions of emotion are recognized across cultures worldwide. His work helped establish scientific consensus around universal emotions and how they are expressed in the face.
The guide also reflects the applied and contemplative science expertise of Dr. Eve Ekman, integrating emotion research with wellbeing practices and real-world teaching experience.
Importantly, the Field Guide reflects broader scientific agreement, including findings summarized in “What Scientists Who Study Emotion Agree About”, highlighting shared conclusions across emotion researchers about the biological basis, universality, and adaptive function of emotions.
How is this different from other emotion flashcards?
The field guide acts as a complete emotional intelligence toolkit by providing:
- A handbook detailing the fundamentals of emotion science and sections focusing on each of the 7 core emotions
- Flashcards for practicing emotion recognition
- Anatomy cards for decoding the make-up of emotional expressions
- Reflection cards for guided inquiry into your experience of and response to emotions which can be used by yourself for personal reflection or with others for partner or group discussion
Who is the Field Guide designed for?
The Field Guide is useful for:
- Mental health professionals
- Teachers and school counselors
- Executive coaches
- Corporate leaders and HR teams
- Parents supporting emotional development
- Students studying psychology
- Individuals interested in reading facial expressions
- Anyone looking to deepen their understanding of their emotional world
How can the Field Guide help improve emotional intelligence?
Recognizing emotions accurately is a foundational skill in emotional intelligence (EQ). The guide supports:
- Faster and more accurate recognition of facial expressions
- Deepened self reflection and increased social awareness
- Greater emotional empathy and compassion
Does the Field Guide teach you to read micro and subtle expressions?
The Feelings Field Guide introduces micro expressions and explains the facial anatomy behind emotional expressions, helping you understand what to look for in subtle and brief cues. It also goes beyond recognition by offering guidance on how to respond skillfully to emotions.
However, it does not include the rapid, timed flashing practice used in formal micro expression training. Tools like the Micro Expression Training Tool (METT) are designed for individual, speed-based practice to build accuracy.
The two are complementary:
- Field Guide = Understanding facial expression, emotions and how to respond; can be used individually, with a partner, or in groups
- Micro Expression Training Tools = Individual, performance-based training to build fast and accurate recognition skills
Together, they support both emotional understanding and applied skill development.
How can I use the Field Guide for classroom or group use?
The Field Guide can be used:
- As a classroom reference tool
- In social-emotional learning (SEL) programs
- In corporate workshops
- In therapy or coaching sessions
It’s designed to be accessible, practical, and easy to use during discussions about emotions and communication.
What is the return policy?
We want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase. If for any reason you are not happy with the items you received, we are here to help. Please review our return policy below for more details.
Paul Ekman Group LLC (“PEG”) will accept returns of the Field Guide within 30 days of delivery.
Returned items must be in new, unused condition and in original packaging. Customers are responsible for return shipping costs.
To help cover handling and processing costs, a 15% restocking fee applies to voluntary returns. Refunds will be issued to the original form of payment once the returned item is received and inspected.
As an alternative to a refund, customers may elect to receive store credit for the full purchase amount (no restocking fee applied). Store credit may be applied toward micro expression training tools, digital gift cards, Facial Action Coding System (FACS) materials, or photograph sets.
To initiate a return, please email custserv@paulekman.com with your order number and reason for return.
