What is the Difference Between Sensation and Feeling?

The difference between sensation and feeling can be summarized as follows:

• Sensation: A sensation is a message sent from your body to your brain to inform it about what is happening in the external environment. Sensations are mostly external and are a result of external stimuli. They can change rapidly and are a low-level process. Examples of sensations include physical hunger, physical thirst, physical pain, hot, and cold.
• Feeling: Feelings, also known as emotions, are messages that start in our brains and move down to our bodies. They are internal and are mostly a reaction to emotions. Feelings usually last for a longer period of time and can be triggered by emotions. They are a complex process and play a significant role in how people behave and interact with the world around them.

In summary, sensations are information gathered by our senses about the external environment, while feelings are internal emotional states that are a reaction to emotions.

Comparative Table: Sensation vs Feeling

The main difference between sensation and feeling lies in their nature and origin. Here is a comparison table highlighting the key differences between sensation and feeling:

In summary, sensations are the mental processes that involve interpreting information from the five senses, whereas feelings are emotional states or reactions that are often triggered by emotions. Sensations are typically shorter-lived and help individuals navigate their environment, while feelings play a more significant role in shaping behavior and interactions with the world.