Perplexity
Confusion combined with surprise — more intellectual puzzle than paralysis, unlike Bewilderment.
ambivalentmoderate activation
How it shows up
Perplexity arises in front of a puzzling result, a contradictory argument, or a riddle that will not resolve. People often frown, reread, and turn the problem over in their minds. It can be productive, holding attention on a gap long enough to learn something. It mixes confusion with a trace of surprise and tends to feel more like an intellectual challenge than a block to action.
How it differs from Bewilderment
Bewilderment blocks action because you do not know what to do; perplexity is a puzzle that invites working it out.
Notice
When something puzzles you, notice whether you want to solve it or step away from it.
Where it is felt
Felt most in the head, face and chest.
Based on Nummenmaa et al. (2014), bodily maps of emotions, and related research. The map shows where people report bodily sensation, on average; individual experience varies.