Final answer:
Contempt is the feeling that involves intense negative thoughts and disdain towards someone, often expressed through scornful behavior or a sense of superiority. It is different from melancholy, which is not considered a universal emotion. Contempt can cause psychological harm and strained social interactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Contempt involves intense and intentional negative thoughts about a person and can be manifested in a number of ways. It is a deep feeling of disapproval and even disdain for someone or something. It may display itself through various behaviors such as scornful communication or actions that express a sense of superiority over others. Contempt is not one of the seven universal emotions, which include sadness, anger, happiness, fear, surprise, disgust, and contempt. Instead, melancholy is not considered a universal emotion according to the chapter referenced.
Additionally, contempt can also be linked to the transactional model of hostility, which suggests that hostile thoughts and feelings can promote antagonistic behavior, further causing strained social interactions. For example, a person with contempt may harbor a cynical and distrustful attitude towards others, potentially leading to defensive or aggressive behavior. Psychological harm could be an outcome of such contempt when it results in social exclusion or verbal taunting.