The Three Activation States of Affect-Emotion
The 3 Activation States of Affect-Emotion framework provides a clear, highly practical approach to understanding how the various affect-emotion states can manifest
in us - both in a given situation or moment, and within our more conditioned, automatic response-patterns, over time. By incorporating and building on insights from
Polyvagal Theory and the Window of Tolerance concept, it elucidates how our nervous system's reaction to affect-emotion states can lead to to either minimize and
avoid, over-amplify and impulsively act on, or process, integrate and be more skillfully informed by any given affect-emotion state that arises. This framework can serve as
an invaluable tool for recognizing our emotional patterns, increasing self-awareness, and crafting effective strategies for improved emotional regulation and expression.
Under-Activation:
Balanced-Activation:
Over-Activation:
Avoidant-Repressive
Integrated-Adaptive
Reactive-Impulsive
Unsafe
Intolerant-Unfelt
Aversive-Avoidant
Disconnecting-Unresponsive
Demotivating-Disempowering
Suppressive-Repressive
Counter-Reactive
Safe
Tolerant-Felt
Well-Regulated
Connected-Responsive
Integrated-Adaptive
Mature Development
Constructive-Wise
Highly Sensitive
Reactive-Impulsive
Exaggerated-Disproportional
‘Irrational’-Unintegrated
Over-Compensating
Uncontrolled-Damaging
Addictive-Compulsive
In the Integrated-Adaptive activation state, there
is a harmonious balance between feeling,
understanding, and constructively responding to
our emotions. This state fosters emotional resilience,
allowing us to navigate challenges, opportunities,
and disappointments with insight and flexibility. By
integrating and adapting our emotional
experiences, we enhance decision-making, foster
deeper connections, and promote personal growth,
leading to more fulfilling and authentic interactions
with the world around us.
In the Reactive-Impulsive activation state, we
find ourselves automatically reacting to emotional
triggers, leading to increasingly exaggerated
emotionality and uncontrolled responses. This
impulsivity stems from an overwhelmed capacity
to regulate the affect-emotion state, pushing us
into increasingly irrational, often regrettable
decisions and actions. This escalating cycle of
knee-jerk reactivity amplifies our stress, disrupts
our ability to engage wisely, and undermines our
relationships and self-esteem over time.
In the Avoidant-Repressive activation state, we
feel compelled to distance ourselves from and
minimize the emotions that feel uncomfortable,
unsettling, or unsafe. Our increasing difficulty to
feel, process, and respond to certain emotions often
typically to us automatically minimize, avoid, or
repress these emotions. This recurring avoidance
builds up patterns of emotion repression that
hinders our ability to make well-informed decisions,
respond to situations effectively, and maintain
healthy, authentic relationships.
© Dylan Newcomb 2024 www.uzazu.org
UZAZU v2.4.2
Updated: February 5, 2024