Ways to shape an emotional episode
Explore how changes in attention, interpretation and action can influence an emotional episode.
The picture in words
- Attention
- Choose where to direct attention.
- Interpretation
- Consider another meaning of the situation.
- Action
- Choose how to respond in context.
Reading the illustration
Read the three tools as possible points of influence. Attention, interpretation and action offer different ways to shape an episode in context.
Try a question
How could a different interpretation of a delayed reply influence the next action?
Show the explanation
Considering that the recipient may be busy can change the meaning of the delay and support a more measured response. The usefulness of a strategy depends on the situation.
Read the sources
- McRae, K., & Gross, J. J. (n.d.). McRae and gross: Emotion regulation (2020). https://digitalcommons.du.edu/psychology_faculty/203/Rendered abstract: McRae & Gross (2020), abstract only.