Emotions create distinctive psychobiological states in us and drive us to take action. The emotional needs nature has programmed us with are there to connect us to the external world, particularly to other people, and survive in it.  They seek their fulfillment through the way we interact with the environment.

Emotional needs include:

• Security, safe territory and an environment which allows us to develop fully.

• Attention (to give and receive it) - a form of nutrition.

• Sense of autonomy and control having volition to make responsible choices.

• Being emotionally connected with others.

• Feeling part of a wider community.

• Friendship, intimacy to know that at least one other person accepts us totally for who we are, warts 'n' all.

• Privacy - opportunity to reflect and consolidate experience.

• Sense of status within social groupings.

• Sense of competence and achievement.

• Meaning and purpose which come from being stretched in what we do and think.