MANAGING EMOTIONSAMERICAN FAMILY

LEARNING OBJECTIVEStudents will learn ways to recognize and manage emotions, and identify consequences of uncontrolled emotions to individuals, families and the community.

EMOTIONSAn indicator how a person is feeling mentally.

HOW THE BODY EXPRESSES EMOTIONS• Sweaty palms• Racing heart• Shortness of breath• Butterflies in the stomach• Red face

Love and hate are expressed in the body in the same way. The difference is the external stimuli on which those feelings are based.

TEENS AND EMOTIONSTeens are emotional because of the release of different hormones into their body.

A wide range of emotions are experienced throughout the day.

EMOTIONS AND OUR ACTIONS• How do children and adults express their emotions

differently?

• What about teens? Do they express their emotions more like children or adults?

• What happens to adults who do not learn the appropriate way to express emotions?

• How can this affect…• Individuals?• Families?• Communities?

• How can teenagers/adults positively express these emotions?

• How can teenagers/adults negatively express these emotions?

SIX BASIC EMOTIONS

RESPONDING TO EMOTIONSPOSITIVELY

Learning how to respond to your emotions in a healthy manner is a skill that will benefit you for the rest of your life.

Consider these strategies:• What’s beneath the emotion? Are you overreacting?• Will it matter tomorrow, next week?• Take time to think things over. Don’t respond immediately to intense

emotions.• Deal with upsetting emotions by taking care of yourself-exercise, talk

to a friend or family member.• If things don’t improve, get help.

MANAGING DIFFICULT EMOTIONS

What are some positive ways to deal with fear, guilt, and anger?

Recognize your emotions and use positive coping skills to deal with them effectively.

• Exercise, write in a journal, music, talk, get away for a while, give yourself a chance to relax.

DEFENSE MECHANISMSDefense mechanisms: mental processes that protect individuals from strong or stressful emotions and situations. Common defense mechanisms include:

• Repression-involuntary pushing unpleasant feelings away• Suppression-intentionally pushing unpleasant feelings away• Denial-not acknowledging your behavior/emotions• Projection-blaming feelings on others• Regression-dealing with the emotion like a child• Rationalization-making excuses rather than taking responsibility• Compensation-making up a mistake though gift-giving, or hard

work.

Provides a temporary escape, but not good for the long run. One must eventually deal with difficult emotions in order to heal and move on.

MANAGING DIFFICULT EMOTIONSFEARHandling Fear:

1. Identify the fear.2. Analyze the situation that causes fear.3. Talk about it.

Some fears are natural, but if it interferes with your everyday life, it’s a problem.

MANAGING DIFFICULT EMOTIONSGUILTDealing with Guilt:

1. What is the underlying source?2. If you’ve made a mistake, make amends.3. Talk about it.

Keep in mind, not everything is within your control. You are not always responsible.

MANAGING DIFFICULT EMOTIONSANGERManaging Anger:

1. What is the source of your anger?2. Do something to relax.3. Rechannel your energy.4. Talk to someone you trust.5. Get some physical activity.

You might not be able to change the situation, but you can choose your response.

Emotional Appeals

Anger Balloons

Cost to society

Anger management skills (comic strip or skit)

ACTIVITIES