Functions of Emotions
What is one main purpose of emotions?
To give us information about what's happening and help guide our responses.
Someone suddenly jumps out at you from behind a door. Your heart races and you immediately want to get away. What emotion are you feeling?
Fear.
What does the "A" stand for in ABC?
Accumulate Positive Emotions
You know you're going to be in a crowded, overwhelming environment. Name two things you could do to cope ahead.
Plan breaks, bring something calming, identify a quiet place, practice breathing, or arrange support.
Negative Urge: You want to yell at someone
What is an opposite action?
Speak calmly or take a break before responding.
True or False: The purpose of an emotion is always to make us feel good.
False
Feeling thankful for something or someone is an example of this positive emotion.
Gratitude
What is one way you can accumulate positive emotions?
Engage in activities that bring joy, fulfillment, and satisfaction.
Why is it helpful to practice a coping skill before you need it?
You're more prepared to use the skill when you're stressed instead of trying to figure it out in the moment.
Emotion: Sadness
Negative Urge: You feel like isolating yourself.
What is an opposite action?
Reach out to a friend or spend time with someone.
Anger can serve what function when someone crosses an important boundary?
It can signal that something feels unfair, wrong, or needs to change.
You worked really hard on something and finally accomplished your goal. You feel good about yourself and your accomplishment. What emotion are you feeling?
Pride.
What does the "B" in ABC stand for?
Build Mastery
True or False: Coping ahead means assuming something bad will happen.
False. It means preparing for a situation that might be difficult so you're ready to handle it.
Emotion: Shame / Guilt
Negative Urge: Self-sabotage
What is an opposite action?
Acknowledge what happened, make amends if needed, and practice self-compassion.
An emotion like fear can help keep us safe by doing what?
Alerting us to danger and preparing us to respond.
You have a big test tomorrow. You keep thinking about everything that could go wrong, and your stomach feels tense. What emotion are you likely experiencing?
Anxiety/Worry
What is the first step to building mastery?
You have a job interview tomorrow and know you usually feel nervous during interviews. What could you do to cope ahead?
Practice answering common questions, plan what you'll wear and bring, visualize yourself staying calm, practice deep breathing, and remind yourself that it's okay to feel nervous.
Emotion: Frustration
Negative Urge: You want to give up on a new task.
What is an opposite action?
Take a short break, and try again.
Why isn't an emotion necessarily a command to act?
Emotions provide information, but we can choose how to respond to them.
You apologized to someone after an argument, and they accepted your apology. You feel lighter and no longer have the same tension you had before. What emotion might you be experiencing?
Relief
What does the "C" in ABC stand for?
Cope Ahead
Name three steps you could use when coping ahead for a stressful situation.
Identify the situation, imagine possible challenges/emotions, and plan specific coping strategies or responses.
Emotion: Embarrassment
Negative Urge: Wanting to hide/run away
Stay present, remind yourself that mistakes happen, and continue participating.