
What structures of the brain are responsible for processing emotions?
Prefrontal cortex (circled in yellow) - is the “control center” for regulating emotional responses.
Three main structures from the limbic system are responsible for processing emotions:
Amygdala - processes and integrates sensory input or information and designates emotional significance to experiences, especially fear.
Hippocampus - processes emotional stimuli in relation to memories.
Hypothalamus - regulates the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS), processing physiological responses (e.g., heart rate, blood pressure, etc.) to emotional stimuli.
To learn more about the brain structures and their functions in relation to emotions, please watch The Science of Emotional Regulation: How Our Brains Process Emotions
What nervous system is responsible for regulating emotional experiences and bodily responses?
The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) is responsible for controlling involuntary body functions such as regulating heart rate, breathing, and digestion. The ANS is comprised of two nervous system branches that are detailed below:
Sympathetic Nervous System - this branch is responsible for the body’s “fight or flight” responses during overwhelming or dangerous situations by increasing heart rate and or blood pressure, and releasing stress hormones like adrenaline.
Parasympathetic Nervous System - this branch is responsible for the body’s “rest and digest” functions such as decreasing heart rate and facilitating digestion.
What is the difference between emotional regulation and social-emotional regulation?
Emotional regulation is defined as the process of managing emotions and responding to emotional experiences effectively (Psych Central, 2020). In other words, recognizing the emotions being felt, understanding them, and actively choosing how to express them in a healthy way.
Social-emotional regulation is defined as the process of managing emotions, thoughts, and behaviors to achieve positive goals and to build and maintain positive relationships (Winner, 2022).
Both types of regulation are key in supporting a child in processing, managing, and responding to their emotions in various situations.
What are BIG Feelings?
BIG Feelings are defined as intense or overwhelming emotions and or emotional experiences that can feel challenging to manage.
Why it might be helpful to use the term BIG Feelings?
It teaches children to normalize their strong and intense emotions as well as validates the emotions that they are feeling, thus reducing any negative feelings such as shame.
It promotes more understanding of the emotions the child feels rather than labeling it negatively such as “angry outburst”, “temper tantrum”, or “meltdown”.
It further teaches the child increased self-awareness and promotes their ability to identify when they are experiencing a BIG feeling.