These are innate brain systems that are help push ourselves to act certain ways when dealt with certain situations; essentially, there is an affect program for each basic emotion.  

Alma College

Overviews concepts that relate to what causes emotions from an evolutionary perspective such as: 
- Adaptive Problems/Signal Stimuli
- Action Tendencies
- Affect Programs

Causes of Emotion from an Evolutionary Perspective

Niedenthal, P. M., & Ric, F. (2017). Psychology of Emotion (2nd ed.). Psychology Press.

Psychology of Emotion

Adaptive Problems are challenges to our survival and prevent our reproduction (passing along of our genes). The emotions that occur in these situations are thought to help overcome these problems and threats.

Adaptive Problems

Action tendencies are associated with emotions. They help prepare people to perform specific behaviors to help address the potential threat from the environment. 

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