As surprise triggers physical response thus identifying clearly whether its a emotion or a reaction is a challenge..

Just think of the moments when you felt surprised :

• When you got an unexpected information
• Being caught off-guard
• Meeting someone unexpectedly
• Sudden change in a plan
• Receiving unexpected gifts
• Witnessing unexpected act of kindness or cruelty
• Loud sound
• An unusual smell
• Irony in situation
• Unexpected touch etc…

When you experienced any of these external aspects around you, you had a reaction, that made you feel either happy or sad , fear, anger, curiosity, confusion or relief etc..

So when in a situation where we experience surprise we generate an emotion…

However considering that it serves for redirecting attention and is linked to the startle response, it is apparent that it is a reaction.

What do you feel?