Emotion Detective
Coping Skills
Real Life Scenarios
Expected vs Unexpected
Perspective Taking
100

What emotion is someone feeling if they are smiling, laughing, and relaxed?

Happy

100

Name one coping skill you can use when you feel upset.


deep breathing, take a break, talk to someone, get a drink of water, watch tv, go to the gym

100

Someone bumps into you by accident. What’s the expected response?


say “it’s okay” or move on

100

Is doing your work and staying on task expected or unexpected?


expected

100

What does perspective taking mean?


understanding someone else’s point of view

200

What emotion might someone feel if their heart is racing and they’re worried about an upcoming event?


Anxiety / Nervous

200

What coping skill involves slowing your breathing and focusing on your body?


deep breathing or mindfulness

200

You’re losing a game and feel upset. What’s a good choice?


stay calm, use coping skills

200

Is yelling at someone expected or unexpected?


unexpected

200

Why is perspective taking important in friendships?


helps reduce conflict

300

Name one physical sign your body gives when you're getting angry.


clenched fists, fast heartbeat, tense body

300

When should you use coping skills: before, during, or after a problem?


all three - Always use your coping skills 

300

You feel overwhelmed when you're out at a store/the gym/in the car. What’s an appropriate strategy?


ask for help/let someone know how you're feeling, walk outside, use another coping skill

300

Why are expected behaviors important at work?


helps everyone know what to do, stay safe, and be respectful

300

If someone is in a bad mood, what’s one thing you should consider?


something else might be going on instead of thinking they are upset with you

400

What is the difference between feeling frustrated and feeling angry?


frustrated = annoyed/stuck

angry = stronger emotional reaction

400

What is positive self-talk?


talking to yourself in a helpful/encouraging way

400

A friend ignores your text. What’s one possible explanation besides “they’re mad”?


busy, phone died, forgot

400

Can a behavior be expected in one place but unexpected in another? Give an example.


yes (talking loudly outside vs inside)

400

What’s one question you can ask yourself to understand someone else better?


How would I feel in their situation? or What might they be thinking or feeling right now?

500

A person says, “I don’t care,” after making a mistake but avoids eye contact and shuts down. What emotion are they most likely actually feeling and why?


sadness, embarrassment, or shame (defense mechanism)

500

Why might a coping skill work in one situation but not another, and what should you do when that happens?


different situations require different strategies; you adjust and try another skill

500

You feel disrespected by a person in front of others. What is the best response that protects both your dignity and avoids escalation?


stay calm, address later, calmly share how you're feeling communication, walk away/take space

500

A person gets upset and yells at someone while at work. Why might this be considered unexpected behavior?


not an appropriate response, even if they are angry; could use coping skills instead

500

Two people get into an argument. One says, “He started it.” The other says the same thing. What does this tell you about their perspectives, and what skill is needed to resolve it?


both see it differently; need perspective-taking + communication

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