The Science of Feelings: What Psychological Research Tells Us About Our Emotions

by Eugene Tee

In the last 50 years or so, psychological science has shed light on the essence of what makes us human—why we experience a range of feelings from joy to sadness, anger to fear, and compassion to contempt. Yet, the science of emotion remains mostly inaccessible to the curious reader and those outside academic circles.

The Science of What Psychological Research Tells Us About Our Emotions is a story of why and how we feel as human beings. It is a tale of our emotions, told by philosophers, biologists, neuroscientists, sociologists, and economists.

Drawing on rich psychological research on emotions, the revised edition of The Science of Feelings offers the most up-to-date research findings, data and insights on the study of emotions, simplifying specialised knowledge into engaging, easy-to-read language. It discusses how emotions, empathy and well-being interact with technology in the age of AI and outlines key takeaways of each chapter for easy understanding.

301 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 3, 2025

About the author

Dr. Eugene Tee is professor of psychology at HELP University, specializing in emotions and positive psychology. His has published in top-tier academic journals and books. Eugene is a TEDx speaker, science communicator, and has conducted training for organizations including JP Morgan and The New Zealand High Commission. His books, The Science of Feelings (Revised Edition) and The Tyranny of Speed were awarded Reader’s Popular Choice and Best Social Sciences Book respectively at the 2025 National Book Awards. Eugene holds a PhD in Management from the University of Queensland and a Master of Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania.

Reviews

[sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Science of Feelings illustrates psychological research in the best way for the average Joe. Packed with learnings that made me stop to reflect on my own emotions. I personally found comfort in questioning if emotions are truly irrational if all our decision-making is not completely void of emotion? Perhaps I am biased in my rating as a psychology major, but again who am I if not human with emotions?

This book is an easy read for me personally, which says a lot considering I tend to stray away from non-fiction writing in my leisure—I digress, I highly suggest this book to those who would love to learn more about our emotions and maybe reflect on their own emotional experiences!

[Christine Tee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Science of Feelings is an accessible yet intellectually satisfying exploration of human emotions through the lens of psychological science. This book stands out for its multidisciplinary approach. Rather than sticking to narrow theory it connects abstract research to everyday life. This makes it suitable for general readers interested in self-understanding, psychology students, or anyone who’s ever wondered, “Why do I feel this way?” without requiring a PhD to follow along.

[Hwoom · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Science of Feelings basically covers everything you need to know about emotions, your own and others alike. It helped me gain a deep understanding of why I feel certain emotions and what these emotions can motivate me to do. It was a really easy read with lots of interesting fun facts scattered throughout the book!