Primary/Secondary Emotions
What is a primary emotion?
A primary emotion is a basic, instinctual emotion that is universal, such as fear, anger, or joy.
What does “Check the Facts” mean in DBT?
Checking the facts means evaluating whether your emotional reaction aligns with the actual situation.
What is a vulnerability factor in emotion regulation?
A vulnerability factor is something that makes it easier for emotions to escalate, such as lack of sleep, lack of routine, lack of balance.
What does EFT stand for in therapy?
Emotionally Focused Therapy.
What does the PLEASE skill help address?
PLEASE helps address physical health and self-care to reduce emotional vulnerability.
What is a secondary emotion?
A secondary emotion is a more complex emotion influenced by thoughts, experiences, or social rules, such as guilt, pride, or shame.
What is the goal of opposite action?
The goal of opposite action is to change your emotional state by acting opposite to your emotion-driven urges.
Give an example of a coping thought.
"This is temporary, and I can get through it."
What is one way EFT can help with emotional regulation?
EMDR helps process past trauma that contributes to current emotional dysregulation.
What does ABC stand for in the context of emotion regulation?
Accumulate positive experiences, Build mastery, and Cope ahead.
Give an example of a primary emotion and a secondary emotion.
Examples: Primary - anger; Secondary - guilt.
What question should you ask yourself when checking the facts about an emotion?
Ask: "What evidence supports this emotion, and what evidence does not?"
What is one way to reduce emotional vulnerability?
Reducing vulnerability involves practices like eating well, getting enough sleep, and managing stress, checking the facts, acting opposite to emotion.
What is the goal of integrating coping thoughts during emotional distress?
To replace unhelpful or distressing thoughts with realistic, supportive ones that promote calmness.
Name one step in problem-solving when experiencing emotional distress.
Identify the problem, brainstorm solutions, and choose the most effective one.
What is one key difference between primary and secondary emotions?
Primary emotions are automatic and universal, while secondary emotions involve interpretation and are influenced by context or experience.
Name one situation where opposite action might be useful.
Opposite action might be useful when feeling unjustified anger, such as choosing kindness instead of lashing out.
How do coping thoughts help regulate emotions?
Coping thoughts create space to manage intense emotions by interrupting unhelpful thinking patterns.
How does EFT help identify and process emotions?
EFT helps by identifying core emotional needs and processing emotions to create new emotional experiences.
How does building mastery as part of ABC help reduce emotional vulnerability?
Building mastery gives you confidence and resilience, making it easier to handle emotional challenges.
How can identifying whether an emotion is primary or secondary improve emotion regulation?
It helps clarify what you’re truly feeling, allowing for more effective emotion regulation strategies.
How does checking the facts reduce the intensity of secondary emotions?
By aligning your emotional response with reality, it can reduce the influence of distorted thoughts that amplify secondary emotions.
How does reducing vulnerability impact long-term mental health?
Reducing vulnerability creates a foundation of stability, making it easier to use other emotion regulation strategies over time.
How can EMDR and coping thoughts work together to integrate past emotional experiences?
EMDR allows for reprocessing past trauma, and coping thoughts help stabilize emotions in the present, creating a balanced integration of emotional understanding.
How do the PLEASE and ABC skills support each other in regulating emotions?
Both skills work together by promoting emotional stability (PLEASE) and proactive planning for emotional situations (ABC).