Is there a word to describe an individual who has complete control over his negative and positive emotions?

Question

Let's say examples of negative emotions are sadness and despair, and example of positive emotions are happiness and pride.

So is there a word that describes a person who has total, complete control over his negative and positive emotions? I'm talking about someone who can manage his emotions in a long-lasting way, not just temporarily. Generally speaking I'm looking for an adjective, but a noun will also be useful.

Example Sentences:

1.When images of scenes that normally trigger strong emotions were shown to him he demonstrated no emotion

2.His face did not display any emotion despite the [sad]news just relayed to him.

Answer 1

Equanimous

from Wikipedia: "(Latin: æquanimitas having an even mind; aequus even animus mind/soul) is a state of psychological stability and composure which is undisturbed by experience of or exposure to emotions, pain, or other phenomena that may cause others to lose the balance of their mind."

Answer 2

There are several appropriate terms. Assuming that all emotions could be described as positive or negative(is there such a thing as a neutral emotion?)

Stoic In the classical sense this meant adherents to the stoic philosophy which was a philosophy emphasizing the importance of the appropriate behaviour, in modern usage it would be used to describe someones demeanor.

"Angela Merkel is of very stoic character"

Similar terms would be "unflappable" and "impassive".

Answer 3

I'd suggest,

poker-faced

pok′er face`

n.

a face that shows no emotion or intention. [1880–85, Amer.]

pok′er-faced`, adj. Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary

deadpan

deliberately impassive in manner WordNet by Farlex

Answer 4

Informally, a person with complete control over emotions is often described as "very Zen," an adjectivized version of the Zen Buddhist religion (which prizes emotional control). This is a slang usage, however.

A more formal term is impassive:

1c: unsusceptible to or destitute of emotion
2: giving no sign of feeling or emotion
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impassive

However, this describes either someone who feels no emotions, or someone who gives no sign of emotions, neither of which is exactly the same as having complete control over emotions.

Answer 5

You might describe them as a "Vulcan", after the fictional race in Star Trek. Vulcans attempt to live by reason and logic with no interference from emotion.

Answer 6

Is Objective. Objectivity carries no emotion, just observation and stating.

For a more direct approach, composed and calm.

Answer 7

Context can easily change the word that will answer the OP - is the person saintly or pyschopathic, a powder keg of buttoned up frustration and anger, or averagely content and sociable?

Someone who is able to experience positive and negative emotions without either self-harming or acting sociopathically might be said to have balanced their emotions, in the sense that neither good nor bad emotions disrupt their ability to maintain an 'even keel' and go about their daily business.

Alternatively, you could say that this same person is self-aware, unreactive, in good mental health.

Answer 8

The dictionary doesn't quite agree with my connotations of the word, but I might use

Measured (from this website):

(Of speech or writing) carefully considered; deliberate and restrained: his measured prose

This word always reminds me of the title of a Roscoe Holcomb album, An Untamed Sense of Control. That's really quite tangential, but I never get to mention it to anyone.

Answer 9

The main question in choosing a word is what you want to say. Complete control over emotions, taken at face value, means that you completely control what you feel. I doubt there is a word for that because I doubt there is a person who can do it.

I would assume that you meant complete control over own reactions to emotions. In that case 'phlegmatic' might do.

Answer 10

"Emotional Maturity" answers your question. One of the definitions of Emotional Maturity is the ability to redirect your negative feelings into a positive, constructive direction. https://www.google.com/search?q=Emotional+Maturity has many matches. If you want a single word, then try "Maturity."

Answer 11

"Complete control over negative and positive emotions' - in other words, this person feels exactly what they want to feel, irrespective of the situation or stimulus. I think 'narcissist' is the word you need.

Answer 12

Another possibility, although perhaps more impersonal than what you seek, is "dispassionate."

Here's the online Oxford definition:

Not influenced by strong emotion, and so able to be rational and impartial

Answer 13

The most apt, I believe, are these:

Stern

(Of a person or their manner) serious and unrelenting, especially in the assertion of authority and exercise of discipline.

Ascetic

Describing a person who practices severe self-discipline.

Answer 14

Example Sentences:

1. When images of scenes that normally trigger strong emotions were shown to him he was stone-cold.

2. His face was stone-cold despite the [sad] news just relayed to him.

stone-cold

The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary

Unfeeling, insensible, as in That sad story left her stone cold. This analogy was already used by Shakespeare in Henry V (2:3): “Cold as any stone.”

Answer 15

There is a difference between 'controlling your emotions' or ignoring them and - allowing them - not judging them. If you are able to allow your emotions without judging them as good or bad, then you should be able to just be with them, without needing to react.

That, I would describe as 'saintly' or 'non-judgemental' or 'wise'.