Primary emotions (e.g., fear, anger, sadness, interest,
and joy)
appear in the first year whereas secondary emotions (e.g., embarrassment,
guilt,
and shame) are usually expressed by the end of the 2nd year of life.
There is also evidence showing that EC plays an important role in the development of conscience, which involves the interplay between experiencing moral emotions (i.e.,
guilt /
shame or discomfort following transgressions)
and behaving morally, in a way that is compatible with rules
and social norms.8 Besides, children who are high in EC
appear to be more able to display empathy toward other's emotional states
and pro-social behaviour.4 EC is thought to provide the attentional flexibility required to link emotional reactions (both positive
and negative) in oneself
and others with internalized social norms
and action in everyday situations.