Model of emotions and myths

The cognitive-behavioral feedback loop.

Emotions operate within a dynamic, circular system involving the triggering event, cognitive interpretation, emotional response, and resulting action.

An external event (such as a loud noise) is interpreted by the mind (as a threat of intrusion), which generates an emotion (fear) and motivates an action (hiding or investigating).

This cycle perpetuates itself; the action taken and the emotion felt in turn influence future thoughts, creating a loop.

Responding to fear with constant avoidance reinforces the belief that the world is dangerous and increases anxiety in the long run.

Understanding this model allows you to identify where in the cycle you can intervene: by changing your interpretation of the event or by modifying your behavioral response to alter the resulting emotion.

Dismantling cultural and personal myths.

Much of the dysregulation stems from erroneous beliefs or "myths" about how emotions should work.

Ideas such as "if I feel something, it must be true" (emotional reasoning) or "I shouldn't feel this way if I am strong" are common barriers.

These myths act as rigid rules that generate secondary emotions of guilt or shame when violated.

For example, the belief that there is a "right" way to feel at a funeral may lead someone to judge themselves harshly if they feel relief rather than pure sadness.

The work of regulation involves questioning these assumptions, understanding that emotions are not facts, but complex biological responses that do not define objective reality or an individual's moral worth.

Reinforcement of behavior through emotion

Emotions act as powerful reinforcers of behavior. Many maladaptive behaviors are repeated because they offer temporary relief from a painful emotion or generate a desired emotion in the short term.

For example, an individual may resort to verbal aggression because it momentarily transforms a sense of vulnerability or shame into a sense of power and control.

Similarly, substance use may be used to silence anxiety.

Although these strategies have devastating long-term costs, the brain prioritizes immediate emotional reward.

Recognizing this "reward" function is crucial to break the link between emotional distress and impulsive behavior, replacing it with strategies that offer regulation without destruction.

Summary

Emotions function in a dynamic cycle involving events, interpretations, feelings, and actions. This loop perpetuates itself, where the resulting behavior again influences future thoughts .

Dysregulation is fueled by erroneous cultural myths, such as believing that emotions are absolute facts. Challenging these rigid rules is essential to avoid secondary emotions of unnecessary shame or guilt .

Maladaptive behaviors are repeated because they act as reinforcers that temporarily relieve pain. Understanding this immediate reward function is key to replacing impulsivity with effective regulation strategies.