The term “second-hand emotion” generally refers to feelings or emotions that are experienced indirectly or vicariously, rather than being directly felt by a person. This can occur when someone empathizes with or is influenced by the emotions of others, rather than experiencing those emotions firsthand.
For example, if you watch a sad movie and feel sadness for the characters, that sadness is a second-hand emotion; you are not experiencing the events of the movie directly, but rather feeling the emotions that the characters evoke in you. Similarly, if a friend is upset and you feel sad because of their distress, that sadness is also considered a second-hand emotion.
In a broader context, second-hand emotions can also refer to feelings that are derived from societal or cultural narratives, where an individual may adopt feelings based on what they perceive is expected or widely accepted, rather than their own personal experiences. This concept can be relevant in discussions about emotional intelligence, empathy, and the impact of media and relationships on one’s emotional state.