AIHCP has numerous blogs based on Carl Rogers and his Client or Human/Person Centered Based Counseling. This blog will focus some on the general themes, goals and history of the therapy and how it set the standard for many modern day counseling techniques. Whether one belongs solely to Rogerian Counseling, or instead mixes and matches some of the philosophies and skills where needed, it remains nearly impossible for numerous Rogerian ideals not to be part of any counseling curriculum and utilized within the professional and clinical spectrum.
Please also review AIHCP’s various Behavioral and Healthcare Certifications and see if they meet your academic and professional goals.
Rogerian Psychology and Counseling- A Client/Person Centered Approach
Rogerian or person centered counseling finds its roots in counselors who express empathy and unconditional positive regard
In essence, Rogers possessed a more optimistic account of human nature and believed that helping people involved helping them help themselves and find inner healing. Instead of diagnosis, or pre-determined psycho-analysis, Roger developed a psychology and counseling that frowned upon diagnosis as well as counselor authoritarian directives but saw the counselor more as a guide and helper in unlocking a person’s potential to find happiness and balance in life. This type of counseling took some key core concepts from Adler and then became a main stay in the counseling fields since the Mid 20th Century.
Rogers taught that counselors need to help clients self-actualize to become their best self. This was accomplished through guidance that helped the person choose what is best for them. The counselor could help a person reach self actualization by helping them find congruence or genuineness with their true self. When a person was at odds with their true self or their words did not match their deeds, a counselor could help a person see this incongruence (Tan, 2022). In addition to helping a person actualize self, counselors within Rogerian schools of thought help clients understand the value of their own subjective experiences. Rogers believed that the subjective experience of a person was the most true form of self and the best way to find congruence within a person. However, the most lasting and important aspect involves the client’s condition of worth. Rogers emphasized that counselors must show deep empathy, unconditional positive regard and genuineness as core concepts in helping people (Tan, 2022). Ultimately the basis of Rogerian therapy is to not solve problems but to unlock an individual’s own solving problem abilities (Tan, 2022).
In other blogs, we discuss the critical importance of unconditional positive regard, congruence and empathy. These again are the most lasing elements of Rogerian psychology. While many adhere to some of the other concepts of subjective experience, or the role of the counselor, these three standards of counseling remain core in most counseling schools as essential elements in helping people. Beyond just being taught, these lasting qualities of the counselor also show empirically and in clinical studies strong effectiveness in helping the client. While classic Rogerian counseling swayed away from diagnosis or various therapeutic strategies, it always emphasized the importance of the counselor/client relationship. In many studies, this is the most key part whether counseling works or not. While various therapeutic strategies are essential, which ones used or not used, has more power when amplified with the counselor/client relationship.
In recent years, Rogerian Counseling has also been transformed by modifications, such Motivational Interviewing. Tan points out that this is also a person centered approach and also has many shared core elements (2022). Initially developed by William Miller, Motivational Interviewing utilizes Rogerian strategies and counselor based qualities to help clients reach goals. Tan points out that Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative approach of strengthening a person’s motivation and commitment to change. He also points out that it looks to address the ambivalence about change and is designed to help the person’s motivation by assigning goals and also exploring a person’s reasons to look for change (2022).
Interviewing involves utilizing empathy, congruence as well as unconditional positive regard, but also involves the counselor rolling with resistance of the client in a non-confrontational way. Instead helping to facilitate a picture for the client to see on one’s own to desire the change. In doing so, the counselor helps to support self efficacy and freedom of choice to fully embrace a change and work towards a goal (Tan, 2022).
Strengths and Weaknesses
Like any counseling system or psychological school of thought, one can be tied down and limited if only subject to one way of doing things with the psychological mind. This bears true with one who only utilizes psychodynamic ways without integration of other possible therapies in the cognitive fields, or for that matter approaching one from a cognitive or behavioral school of thought. Like wise, person centered psychology and counseling has strengths that can be employed, but also weaknesses when isolated and used as a the only way conducting counseling.
From a strength standpoint, the utilization of the concepts of unconditional positive regard, congruence and empathy are all staples of modern counseling. Person centered therapy also has a very optimistic view of a the human person and is rich in encouraging and helping someone find the ability to change through one’s innate abilities. It treasures freedom to choose which is the only way true change can occur.
From a weakness standpoint, it ins purest form, it avoids diagnosis and some therapies which when involving deeper trauma or pathology require more than just discussing an issue but also helping the mind heal through other proven strategies. Also, it emphasizes a complete subjective form of happiness and process of making decisions. This can lead to one’s own selfish motives, as well as choosing incorrectly in the overall scheme of life. Counselors while observing need to sometimes direct. Rogers did point to empathetic confrontation, but it needs to sometimes go farther than merely helping a person see the contradiction in one’s life but to also sometimes guide the person to the right choice. In Rogerian psychology, the counselor remains as benign a source of authority as possible in regards to direction. Many clients need guidance. This is not to assert they need told what and how to do something, but sometimes, a person needs direction. The concepts of subjective truth also come into conflict with many ideals on objective truth, as well as the person belonging to more than merely oneself but also belonging to a social construct that includes other people, as well as religious beliefs. For some, God is the source of self actualization, not the human person. For others, self actualization can become a very selfish design that ignores others and their needs. (Tan, 2022).
So again, I feel there always needs to be a measure of balance with any systems of psychology and counseling. While schools of thought exist in their purity, many counselors utilize the best of all the schools and fit it to meet the unique needs of a client.
Conclusion
Please also review AIHCP’s Healthcare Certification programs and see if they match your academic or professional goals
Carl Rogers ideas and philosophies presented to counseling were revolutionary when compared to Freudian systems. It expressed that individuals were not preprogrammed and had the innate ability to find congruence when guided by a trained counselor. The counselor was not there to solve problems but help untap the ability of the client to solve their problems. This leads to a very subjective experience of self actualization which has its strengths and weaknesses in counseling. The largest contribution of Rogers was the counseling qualities he demanded from all counselors. Namely congruence, empathy and unconditional positive regard. These elements help forge a healthy counselor and client relationship which according to studies is more important and a bigger factor in client progress than any particular therapeutic strategy employed alone. It is the counselor and client’s relationship that is the biggest factor in whether the counseling experiment works or does not work.
Please also review AIHCP’s Behavioral Health Certifications in Grief Counseling, Christian Counseling, Trauma Counseling, Crisis Counseling, Stress Management and Anger Mangement.
Trauma is part of life. Bad things occur and for some the bad things are more horrific and imprinting upon the person. Estimates themselves reflect this. It is calculated that 70 percent of all human beings will experience some type of trauma that is beyond the basic losses and pains of this temporal world. In addition, 75 percent of children will experience some type of adverse childhood experience (ACE) that can negatively effect their emotional, mental, social and physical development.
While natural disaster trauma and collective social traumas leave deep marks on human beings, it is the violent and mystifying actions of evil at the hands of other human beings that leave the most devastating marks on the soul. Wars, genocides, human trafficking, sexual abuse, rape, shootings as well as being witness to horrific murders and abusive events can all leave a horrible imprint on a person, whether child or adult. While the event itself plays a key role, amazingly some individuals can process trauma and not linger with the effects of prolonged pain or PTSD. This does not make those succumb to trauma weak, or cowardly, but illustrates the reality that trauma is not just about the horrific event but also the subjective experience and the lingering effects following it. One’s genetic makeup, the social constructs and support around them, individual character and resiliency, as well as genetic and mental makeup due to past history can all play roles in how one may digest and cope trauma as opposed to another.
Victims need their trauma identified so they can heal. Please also review AIHCP’s Trauma informed care program and other behavioral health certifications
In states of crisis, a person suffers from disequilibrium and de-stabilization of self. The brain loses ability to handle the current situation because it overwhelms one’s coping mechanism. This leads to emotional distress and inability to cope. One is unable to think or act clearly. Those who experience severe trauma in the acute moment of it usually experience this overwhelming leaving them in the aftermath confused, lost and emotional unstable. The purpose of crisis intervention and emotional triage via emotional and psychological first aid are essential in these moments to help the person find equilibrium as well as stabilization but the efforts of long term trauma care and counseling falls under trauma informed care.
Within the population there is a high level of individuals suffering from long term trauma and PTSD. It is important for mental health and healthcare professionals to understand the signs of trauma and be better equipped to help those experiencing it in the present as well as those suffering from the past lingering effects.
Please also review AIHCP’s Trauma Informed Care, as well as Crisis Intervention and other behavioral and mental health certifications. Qualified professionals can utilize these certifications within the scope of their practice to better help those in pastoral or clinical settings of needed care.
Trauma Signs
Flight, Flee, Freeze or Fawn
The most common reactions to trauma include fight, flight, freeze or fawn (Compton, 2024 p. 105-107). The latter two have been added over the years and are equally important. In understanding human survival, these mechanisms are key in helping an individual make it through a life threatening situation. How a a person responds or does not respond does not equate to inadequacy or cowardice or acceptance of an event, but relates to numerous subconscious immediate decisions in a given situation based on subjective experiences within the person’s life. These particular reactions also play key roles in later trauma recovery because individuals may question, feel guilty or be ashamed of particular reactions.
When the body experiences a threat, the brain and body activate the sympathetic nervous system. This system releases cortisol into the blood stream and other hormones to help prepare the body for danger. The heart rate rises, blood flow increases and muscles tighten to help the body fend off the threat. In this moment of extreme stress, the brain mixed with multiple emotional responses decides to fight off the situation, flee the situation, or in some cases, shuts down the body to freeze. This is seen in nature as well. Animals will fight back, flee or sometimes freeze in utter fear in hopes of being left alone. In human beings, many of the same thoughts race through the mind. With emotion, comes intellectual thoughts based on our subjective history and experience. Can I fight this threat, if not, can I flee or avoid it, or should I freeze and hope. Many times in horror movies, we see the later. We scream at the television for the actor or actress to run or move, but the person is so terrified, he or she shows no resistance to the killer, slasher or monster. This response of freeze is referred to tonic immobility and it tied to the body’s psychological attempt to detach from reality and the danger since it has accepted fight of flight as an impossible option (Compton, 2024, p. 106). Hence some women who are raped, may completely freeze and the body shuts down while the brain experiences the fear and trauma. During this shutdown, some psychologists use other terms to explain this sensation of immobility. During the intense moments of fright of the trauma, the body may flag itself into immobility. During this intense freeze or flagging, ironically the sympathetic nervous system and its reaction releases itself to the parasympathetic system which returns blood back to the core of the body, eases muscle tension, and the body becomes almost frozen. Frozen in fright, the mental brain looks to shut down or dissociate from the trauma. In these cases, many victims may not even feel physical pain, see as clearly, or hear but they remain frozen and in some cases, even dissociate to the point of almost feeling as if out of the body and looking downward. In addition, since the trauma is so intense, the body’s coping mechanism looks to detach and many details of the assault or trauma or not properly logged. Instead, the emotional part of the brain takes over. This is also why sometimes details of survivors in regards to trauma may be not be as precise as law enforcement sometimes may wish. Finally, beyond this freezing, fright and flagging, occurs the final defense mechanism of the body which involves faint. In this, the body shuts down consciousness to the horrible ideal.
Fight, flight, freeze or fawn responses to survival situations.
In regards to fawn, victims in an attempt to survive will work with the assailant and not resist but attempt to be be accepting of the situation. Children, and again women in assault cases, many times to survive will use this last option as a way in hopes of reducing the pain inflicted. Without escape or any hope, they succumb to the wishes of the assailant whether it involves laughing with them, or taking drugs with them, or pretending to enjoy, or partake to avoid physical injury. According to Compton, this response is completely unique to humans as a way to escape a situation in hopes of making it less worst and later survive (2024, p. 107). Some victims may consider the price of cooperating better than the price of being beaten and killed if they attempt to resist. Sometimes, pending on the psychopath or assailant, this may work in reducing injuries, while in some cases, the perpetrator injures or kills regardless. However, within the subjective mind of the victim, the call to fawn or not fawn is gamble that is made in the heat of the moment.
What later plays a role in prolonged and unresolved trauma for survivors are the cognitive distortions that can result from whichever action one chose. Those who did not fight back or flee, but froze may be hard on themselves and feel they could have saved themselves if they had just acted. A woman who did not flee a rapist, or a soldier who froze in an attack may all suffer deep remorse or regret for their actions. Yet, their responses were not so much conscious but related to inner wiring of how they would respond in this particular situation. The trauma was so powerful, they were forced to detach from the utter horrific nature of the event. Equally if not more harmful cognitive distortions can emerge with those who utilize fawning as a way to survive. They display shame and guilt and even to some extent may think they partook in it voluntarily. A woman may feel shame in laughing or accepting drugs during a rape and even doubt her victimhood but the reality is the woman entered into a survival mechanism to limit harm to self (Compton, 2024, p. 107). Counselors need to affirm the fears these individuals feel, listen with empathy and without judgement the reactions in the moment and help cognitively realign the experience with reality of “having to do what you had to do to survive”. The survivor needs vindicated in the choices made to keep him/her alive in a horrific moment no person should have to endure.
Intrusions
PTSD causes many forms of intrusions on victims/survivors. Please also review AIHCP’s Trauma Informed Care Program
In addition to trauma responses and their linger effects, individuals, especially those with PTSD, suffer from intrusions. Intrusions, flashbacks, or nightmares can be triggered by simple scents, sights, sounds, or places. Due to the fact the horrific trauma imprinted upon the emotional part of the brain within the amygdala, the emotions and sounds of the moments became associated with the event. Hence even a simple backfire of a car can send an Iraq or Afghanistan veteran into a flashback on a city street. Due to the trauma, many of the normal reasoning functions of the pre-frontal cortex associated with the memory were never properly filed within the brain and processed as a healthy moment in time. Instead, the memory is raw and unprocessed as closely tied to the emotional responses of the day of trauma. In turn, a sight, scent, taste, or sound closely associated with that traumatic event can trigger a response that intrudes into the mind and takes the person away from the present. Severity of these responses vary in flashbacks but some can completely cause dissociation from the present. The person will enter into a flashback where they are no longer present. Some individuals may lose hours of the day or merely minutes pending on severity. Others will be haunted by unresolved nightmares that place the survivor back in the traumatic situation. Counselors who work with trauma survivors or individuals they suspect of past trauma will be able to identify these key signs of abuse or unresolved issues.
Hyperarousal or hypervigilance
One key sign of trauma is hyperarousal or hypervigilance. Many who suffer from trauma have a heightened sense of awareness of certain places or people. This heightened awareness activates a survivor’s sympathetic nervous system and leaves them in a state of watching or preparing for the worst. A retired soldier may watch various entrances of all escape routes or doorways even when at a simple dinner with his wife and children. A rape victim may be terrified to walk by an alley. School shooting survivors may during class time also experience issues returning to school or walking into the building. Due to the hypervigilance and the imprinted trauma, ones arousal level is so high that the thinking part of the brain cannot differentiate between the traumatic historic event and current situations that pose no threat. In addition, many completely seek shelter and protection from the public eye and seek isolation to cope with their states of hyperarousal. The person hence becomes disconnected from the present, hyper-focuses on non-existent threats, and is in a state of fear or anxiety within normal situations (Compton, 2024, p.108-109). Counselors will need to employ various emotional regulation strategies, ground techniques, exposure and EDMR therapies, or cognitive behavioral to help the person gain control of these rampant emotional memories and flashbacks.
Changed World Views and Attitudes of Survivors
Hyperarousal and lack of emotional regulation are signs of past trauma. Please also review AIHCP’s behavioral health certifications
Due to this new altered sense, even when not hyper aroused, the past trauma can reshape and damage previous held world views (Compton, 2024. p, 2009). Traumatic events can alter the view that the world is a safe place. Unlike many individuals in rural areas, those who frequently experience inner city violence will definitely frame a different world view from childhood onward, especially children who were never able to experience safety and security. For those who lived the American dream, those who suddenly become victim or witness to school shooting, or experience a violent crime suddenly may come to new realities that may make them challenge their worldview, faith, God, and moral framework how the world operates. Some may become cynical, others hopeless, some angry and vindictive, others may look to over-protect others because they see danger everywhere.
World views and previous held ideas lead to different reactions to situations and life itself. Some of the key points according to Compton include a lack of safety and a sense of vulnerability that did not previously exist. In addition, Compton lists a lack of trust. This lack of trust may be towards the power of God, or the power of local government to protect oneself. Many may feel forsaken and left to fend for oneself in this state of despair. Also, Compton lists esteem and defectiveness that follows trauma. Trauma survivors can exhibit negative views about themselves and doubt their worthiness to be loved after the event, or are not deserving of a good and productive post trauma life. Others may also alter views on others and stereotype races, religions, cultures and others that are associated with the trauma itself. Through this, the person is filled with anger, suspicion and bitterness towards other people who may share the same skin color or faith of the perpetrator. Compton points out that other survivors may exhibit unnecessary power and control over others or situations in an attempt to prevent the trauma from occurring again. This type of survivor may be a person who lives in constant hyperarousal and promises that what occurred will never happen again to the point of compulsion driven by anxiety. This leads to controlling even smaller aspects of life and relationships. Some may even feel erroneously partial responsible for the trauma and will look at any cost to control all aspects to avoid the same outcome. Finally, Compton lists that intimacy and how future trauma survivors respond to others and relationships can be altered. Children who experience trauma at a young age will have different attachment disorders based on trauma ranging from anxious relationship, to avoidant ones, while adults who are reshaped by trauma may experience difficulties with intimacy. A wife who was raped may be unable to have intercourse with her husband because of the violation of the sexual act in her rape. The movements or act may activate a flashback or cause intense emotional pain. Some who are not in a relationship may seek isolation and avoid attachment and at the expense of genuine human connection, forfeit future relationships due to the traumatic event (2024. p. 109-113).
Long Term Mental and Physical Signs
Trauma damages the entirety of the human person. Untreated trauma looks to numb and escape the pains through various maladaptive ways. Whether it is isolation, avoidance, or control measures, the person still exhibits the pains of trauma. Because of this, many associated with trauma become alcoholics or drug addicts hopes of numbing the pain and escaping the memories. These short term tricks however only further damage the mind and body with addiction and all the legal, financial, social, mental and physical troubles associated with it. In addition, many mentally may attempt to numb psychic pain with physical pain and self harm themselves or even idealize suicide to escape the pain. Others may utilize sex or gambling or other unhealthy way habits. Hence, those who are associated with long term and unresolved trauma are tied to depression, anxiety, physical injuries, substance abuse, and sexually transmitted diseases (Compton, 2024, p. 116).
Long term trauma can negative effects socially, mentally, emotionally, and physically on a person.
Physically, those who deal with long term trauma even if they avoid maladaptive practices find themselves in a constant state of hyperarousal and the activation of the sympathetic nervous system. Like chronic stress, the continual state of alert has negative effects on the body, especially the cardiovascular system. Due to the constant stress, trauma survivors or life long victims of trauma find themselves with many digestive diseases, migraines and sleep issues. This leads to immune issues related to chronic inflammation throughout the body (Compton, 2024. p. 116-117). These physical issues to lead to social issues with work, education and advancement, leaving many life long trauma survivors in perilous situations beyond their trauma itself. This all has reflections on every aspect of their life and choices which can also affect other individuals negatively. When those suffer from a singular and isolated trauma, as opposed to a communal trauma, many times the individual never finds affirmation, connection, or support. These individuals, without healing, slowly rot from the vine and deteriorate. Many fall under the rug and find themselves homeless, or imprisoned for petty crimes. Others develop more severe mental illness and can lash out at others within the community.
Hence, it is a communal issue to identify trauma signs and help individuals find the help and aid they need to heal. Counselors can look for these long term mental, physical, emotional and social signs of long term trauma to better help individuals find healing via trauma informed care.
Conclusion
When signs of trauma and abuse or missed initially, or permitted to fester, the wholeness and dignity of the person erodes. Whether it is a life long series of traumas or adverse childhood experiences, or one horrible life altering event, trauma victims/survivors need help to heal. While some individuals are resilient due to numerous and multiple subjective factors, others through no fault, fall victim to PTSD or trauma induced wounds. These individuals if not helped are unable to cope in productive ways and can harm themselves, others, relationships or ruin their own careers. This overflows into society and without a empathetic and compassionate approach to help these individuals, then society as a whole suffers. Trauma Informed Care looks to identify many of the signs listed above and better help and equip individuals to find healing and healthy coping mechanisms to heal and overcome trauma. Trauma may leave a scar but it does not need to be a destructive event in the person’s life that destroys everything the person is. Instead, human beings can heal, create new neuropathways, find meaning in horror and create positive outcomes out of the darkness.
Please also review AIHCP’s Mental and Behavioral Health Certifications
Please also review AIHCP’s Trauma Informed Care Program, as well as its many behavioral and mental health certifications for human service workers, both clinical and pastoral, as well as healthcare professionals who seek to help and make a difference for those who have experienced trauma.
Abusive predators seek the most vulnerable as their prey and strike when the opportunity best presents itself. Many targets are those who have already been targeted in the past. The scars and emotional trauma associated with initial abuse signal opportunity for the predator to strike a new victim who has already once been injured. Counselors in trauma need to be aware of the potential for someone who has been abused to be abused again. This is why the work of healing is so critical. Healing helps the person find wholeness again and find strength in everyday life to proceed in a healthy way that can better equip the victim/survivor to protect oneself from future abuse at anyone’s hands. In this short blog, we will look at the most vulnerable for re-victimization as well as the open wounds of unhealed trauma that present opportunities for predators and abuses to inflict more trauma on past victims.
Trauma informed care can help prevent re-victimization of abuse survivors
Please also review AIHCP’s Trauma Informed Care Program, as well as its Crisis Intervention Certification and other Behavioral Health Certifications for qualified professionals seeking certification.
At Risk Populations
Naturally the marginalized, isolated, and injured populations present opportunistic targets for predators. As a predator in nature monitors the the herd of prey, it looks for members who seem and appear physically weaker or isolated or confused or who are already injured. Likewise, human predators and abusers look for those in society that are an easier target with less chance of fighting back physically or emotionally and as well those who mentally possess low self esteem and emotional disorders. This protects them and lowers the chance for reprisal or being apprehended. This is the nature of an abuser-cowardice and opportunistic.
Some populations that are natural targets for any type of abuse include children, the elderly, emotionally and mentally comprised and those with disabilities (Compton, 2024, p.124). Hence individuals within these categories present excellent targets by the abuser not only for initial abuse but also fall into re-victimization themselves. Counselors and safe-guarders need to be aware of these target populations and look to protect them from potential dangerous environments, especially ones with previous abuse history.
What Makes the Risk Higher for Re-victimization?
Ultimately lack of healing from the initial abuse makes someone a higher risk for re-victimization at the hands of abuser or predator. The lack of healing injures the very soul of the person and prevents them from integrating into society. Many enter into maladaptive coping strategies to numb the pain of the trauma or enter into unhealthy relationships due to low self esteem and again find themselves in the same patterns.
Compton points out that attachment deficits, emotion regulation disruptions and cognitive distortions play key roles in making victims susceptible to future abuse. Compton points out that children and others who have continually experienced abuse have been stripped healthy of attachments that non-abused individuals experience with family and caregivers. Instead of a loving and caring family that promises safety and security, abused individuals live in a world of uncertainty, terror and no safety. This drastically alters their ability to understand normal relations, much less form future healthy attachments with other people. Instead of finding secure bonds, many abused that never find healing, find themselves in the same situation with a different person. The individual ultimately expects abuse as a norm (2024, p. 125-126). Hence when approached or targeted, many abused are familiar with it. While they may seek to escape it or fear it, they do not respond as an un-abused person. Instead many either isolate, feel the re-traumatization, and become unwilling victims not understanding why or how to escape.
Helping stop re-victimization of at risk populations is a key component of trauma informed care. Please also review AIHCP’s Behavioral Health Certifications
Compton also refers to emotional regulation disruptions. Like anyone with PTSD or trauma, unresolved trauma resides in the subconscious. It remains trapped in the emotional part of the brain, not properly filed within the intellectual part. The trauma is dis-fragmented and the horrible nature of the trauma continues to haunt a person. Hence when a person experiences a similar sound, or scent, or visual of the past trauma, the body responds emotionally without rationale into a fight, flight or freeze mode. This is a common state of hyperarousal that many with PTSD or trauma experience. The long term defensive mechanisms for this unhealed trauma results in isolation from other people, as well as numbing through alcohol or other drugs, as well as lashing out at others, Abusers target those who are isolated, friendless, or who are intoxicated or in need of drugs to numb their pain (2024, p. 127-128). in the mind of an abuser, an isolated individual has no-one for support and a drug user is far from reliable as a witness.
Finally, cognitive distortions can persist in the unhealed victim. Without counseling and cognitive therapies to correct incorrect perceptions of self, the abused develops an poor image of self and the value of one’s body. The very design of sexuality and its purpose can also be distorted. Victims reflect low self esteem, misuse of sex as a way to find instant gratification, or allow one’s body to be used by others. This can result in how a victim interacts with others, dresses, or expects to be touched or touches others (Compton, 2024, p. 128-129). These cognitive distortions, views of one’s body, or the misinformed nature of sex, open many unhealed victims to new abusers who can use these distortions to their advantage in luring the victim back into abuse.
Why Not Find Help?
It is easy as non-traumatized individuals to ask this question but if someone is injured through abuse or trauma, the whole self is injured. Until the whole self again finds healing, purpose and meaning and the issues of emotional, cognitive and bonds are corrected, then many never seek help or even report the initial abuse. In addition, those who seek help may feel intimidated, labeled, judged, or felt no-one will believe them.
Some may feel embarrassed over the abuse. During fight, flight or freeze, survivors make a choice in how to respond to the violence. Some individuals may fight, others may try to escape, or others my freeze in utter fear. We see this constantly in horror movies. As we shout at the television screen, for the person to fight back or run, we see some literally freeze. Maybe subconsciously an individual feels if they have a better chance of not fighting back and allowing the abuse to occur in hopes of survival as opposed to being kills in an attempted act of self defense. It is very hard to understand why some individuals fight, flight or freeze, but after traumatic events, the brain thinks back. There is survival guilt for some in war or shootings where the individual re-analyzes their reactions. This can lead to shame, or guilt or regret. Some in abuse, may feel they should have screamed, or fought back, while others lament the fact, that despite the abuse, in some cases, of sex, part of the physical engagement was pleasurable. This is especially true in the case of men who find themselves raped by women abusers. Others who are raped or molested may feel like a “whore” or if a man is assaulted by a man, feel as if their sexuality is now questioned and feel ashamed about being labeled a sexuality that they are not (Compton, 2024, p. 130-131).
Others may feel no-one will believe them and in some cases, authorities do not always believe. Parents may doubt a story of their child about a pastor or coach, or a church member may dismiss a report about a priest, or a police detective may question the details of an abuse story, but when help is not given, re-victimization can occur. One thing to remember, victims of severe trauma have fragmented memories. The brain is protecting the person from the trauma by fogging many of the details. Since the trauma is not properly filed and stored in the intellectual pre-frontal cortex of the brain, the emotional centers of the brain collect the trauma and revisit it through affective disturbances that involve similar sounds, sights, or scents. A similar cologne of an abuser can send a victim into a flash back of the horrible abuse, or a the backfire of a car can send a military veteran back to a war scene. Hence triggers play a key role, as well as intrusive memories, in taking the victim back to the initial trauma, while in regular conscious states, the victim may not recount completely every detail regarding the abuse. The details haunt, but the general story remains the same. This type of lack of detail can sometimes make others doubt a survivor/victim, but a trained professional should see the overwhelming evidence of trauma induced PTSD that reflects far greater evidence of abuse than mere details (Compton, 2024, p. 131-132)
When reporting never occurs, or when authorities do not believe victims, re-victimization usually occurs later in life. It is hence important to prevent future re-victimization to believe the abused. Counselors, pastors, and even friends need to believe and encourage disclosure and when legally required report the incidents to protect the victim. As a safeguarder and protector, one has the unique opportunity to help reconnect to a injured person and help them again find wholeness, meaning and justice (Compton, 2024, p. 133).
Conclusion
Please also review AIHCP’s Trauma Informed Care Program as well as its Behavioral Health Certifications
It is truly sad that anyone is a victim of any type of abuse in this world. It is especially horrific that individuals who find no healing continue to find themselves in a cycle of abuse at the hands of predators and abusers. It is important for behavioral healthcare and health providers, as well as pastoral caregivers, families and friends to recognize the signs the abuse, as well as to understand those who are potential victims for possible future abuse. This involves utilization of trauma informed care practices that encourage disclosure through safe environments, as well as transparency, empathy, trust, and the utilization of therapeutic skills to help the person again find healing and meaning.
Compton, L & Patterson, T (2024). “Skills for Safeguarding: A Guide to Preventing Abuse and Fostering Healing in the Church”. Academic
Additional Resources
Marie, S. (2024). “Abuse Survivors Can Be Revictimized — Here’s What You Should Know”. Healthline. Access here
Gillette, H. (2022). “Can Family Members Revictimize Sexual Abuse Survivors?”. PsychCentral. Access here
Patrick, W. (2022), “Why Some Sexual Assault Victims Are Revictimized”. Psychology Today. Access here
Pittenger, S. et al. (2019). “Predicting Sexual Revictimization in Childhood and Adolescence: A Longitudinal Examination Using Ecological Systems Theory”.
Child Maltreat . Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2019 May 1. PubMed. Access here
Fake people can cause damage professionally, financially, and socially. It is important as a social skill to protect oneself from deceptive individuals and form the proper boundaries to secure oneself against a fake and deceptive person. Please also review AIHCP’s Behavioral Health Certifications and see if they meet your academic and professional goals.
Those who suffer abuse can sometimes fall through the cracks of society. Individuals, organizations, churches, establishments, or others can indirectly or directly be the cause of ignoring abuse and allowing to continue due to internal false notions, or external fears. Those in pastoral care, healthcare or mental health must be the final line of defense in identifying abuse. This may result in identifying initial abuse simply through a medical checkup, or a casual statement to the school counselor, or concerned friend, but sometimes, abuse is discovered years and years later in counseling. This is why it is so critical to make trauma informed care such a critical aspect of all counseling. So many issues emerge in life that are connected to unresolved trauma and it is so important for professionals report it as well as if within the scope of one’s practice to treat it. Counselors and pastors need to see themselves as guardians and watchers for abuse and trauma in all individuals.
Trauma Informed Care experts know how to identify trauma and abuse and how to help others overcome it. Please also review AIHCP’s Behavioral Health Certifications
In this article, we will shortly look at the nature of abuse and the dynamics of power and its role in covering abuse.
Compton and Patterson refer to individuals who protect the innocent from abuse as safeguarders (2024, p. 1). Anyone who wishes to promote a safe environment can be a safeguarder. Whether a observant friend, or those in pastoral ministry, or those within healthcare or mental health agencies. Everyone is called to look out for others whether the person is abused by a stranger, or a friend, or family, or within a religious institution or organization or agency. Compton and Patterson encourage others to be diligent to identify abuse by looking for signs of abuse or possible risks of for potential abuse. They emphasize in addition to looking to also listen to victims with empathy and non-judgmental attitudes that provide a safe place for them to speak. In addition to listening, safeguarding requires equipping the victim/individual/survivor with the tools to heal, build new relationships and find the necessary resources to move forward. Finally, Compton and Patterson emphasize the duty to speak out against abuse, report it and advocate for transparency within organizations that look to hide abuse (2024, p. 2).
Abuse itself is not always physical or sexual in nature, but abuse can also be verbal and emotional and in some cases, these minor forms of abuse can elevate to physical. While physical abuse is constrained to slapping, punching, strangling, burning or restraining and sexual to improper touches, exposure, unconsented recording, or rape itself, verbal and emotional abuse takes far more subtle forms. Emotional and verbal abuse can include guilt tripping, extreme jealousy, constant monitoring, name calling, insulting, sarcasm, threats, ghosting, avoidance and silent treatments (Compton & Patterson, 2024, p. 14). Spiritual abuse at the hand of a partner or even religious leader is common to control and manipulate. Compton and Patterson point out that misuse of scripture can lead to manipulation, especially to donate, or give up possessions, as well as to utilize absolute authority in other’s daily lives. When a religious leader claims undisputed authority from God without checks or balances, that leader is able to order submission to any decisions or actions he or she takes. Ultimately, the person is made to think that their service to the church or religious figure oversteps every other duty in life because the person’s salvation depends upon it (2024, p. 17).
The Power of Authority
Relationships that pend on authority and power of one over another are not partnerships but unequal relationships. When a manager, president, coach, pastor, or priest teaches, speaks, or instructs, there is a sense of power and influence over another (Compton and Patterson, 2024, p. 28). This is not necessarily a structure of evil, but an important part of organization and society, but the inner dynamics of these powers of one over another can lead to evil actions when misused. Rinaldi states, “Abuse flourishes within a system that emphasizes absolute power of leaders, encourages unflinching submission and obedience of followers and avoids meaningful accountability (Compton and Patterson, 2024, p. 26). Authority can easily be corrupted. Authority as a relationship to another carries a huge responsibility. A coach’s responsibility via his/her authority to bring out the best of his/her players, to train them, and teach them and prepare them for games. When this responsibility deviates from these norms, then his/her power is misused and tempted to abuse. Additionally, due to the existence of this relationship, it can easily blur lines and lead to potential misuse of it. Compton and Patterson point out that any leader, pastor, or manager needs to clearly understand the limits and extent of their power, as well as the consequences of misusing that power and the effects of vulnerable individuals under them within this relationship (2024, p. 29).
Many misuse authority. Counselors can help individuals overcome the manipulation.
Those who misuse authority purposely exploit those under their control. To confuse, justify and promote compliance, spiritual leaders will utilize spiritual texts, managers will utilize company goals and professional needs, coaches will use team first mottos or personal goals as ways to contort and confuse the victim. This leads to a grooming phase where those in authority utilize their power to attract the victim outside of the arena of their relationship into other situations. Utilizing scripture, or company goals, or team needs, the perpetrator will work on altering the victim’s conscience and to make them question his/her values. Abusers with authority to cover their crime will look to normalize the abnormal and justify it. For instance, a coach may tell a player that this behavior in the locker room is normal and goes on in all locker rooms across the country. The victim who may be scared to question, or be brainwashed and manipulated into compliance may be in awe of the person, or afraid to lose a job, or a spot on the team. This leads to a cycle of abuse (Compton and Patterson, 2024, p. 31-33). The authority misused also leads to threats later. The abuser who fears accountability or prosecution will use his/her authority to terrify the abused into silence. A priest may tell a young child that no-one will believe them or that if they say anything, they will go to Hell. A politician may tell an intern, that if anything is mentioned, the person will never work in politics again. This disgusting misuse of power and abuse unfortunately happens everyday and it up to those in behavioral health, healthcare and pastoral professionals to uproot it and expose it to the light. This is an important aspect of trauma informed care!
The Dynamics of Authority and Coverup
It is important to realize that many individuals can become complicit in abuse. Some may be more direct, while others are more indirect, but the complicity still remains. Sometimes complicity at even more remote levels protect and shield the most dangerous abuses and keep victims trapped under the spell of dominance. Abusers play a part in abuse by commanding or counseling or consenting to or flattering the perpetrator. They can directly cause it or even participate within it. Others who may not abuse or condone it even play a role in allowing abuse to exist by covering it up, remaining silent, preventing steps to expose, or not openly denouncing it. These individuals in many ways are as dangerous as the abusers. While they may not abuse or have a mental illness to abuse, they care more about image or position or finance than another human being in trauma. Their crimes are an equal problem and a reason why so many institutional abuses continue within many organizations (2024, p. 12-14). Many organizations, churches, schools, or agencies utilize shame, silence, or loyalty above truth. Those who work for schools, universities, sporting teams, church positions, or organizational positions feel the pressure to protect the image of who they associate with, as well as who pays them. In addition, many within cult-like churches will look for the greater good in promoting their silence, or feel as if their salvation is threatened if they question someone of religious authority. This can lead to shame as well to encourage silence and foster the environment for abuse.
Many individuals are pushed into complicity via threats or loss of status when they witness abuse. Individuals must expose the crime at all costs
Compton and Patterson list some key concepts that lead one to complicity and silence. Unity over truth leads those within the organizational structure to silence or dismiss those who call out questionable statements, or patterns or procedures. In this case, the mission of the church or organization overplays the mission to protect individuals. This leads to the greater good motif as well as the needs of the many over the need of the one as a way to justify a crime of abuse. In addition, Compton and Patterson point out that authority over truth leads to the submission of women and children to do without question. If a coach or pastor does something morally questionable, one is told or taught to dismiss it because there is a higher reason for the crime. This leads to diluting the idea that everyone sins or no-one is perfect when comparing it to an actual crime, and then proceeding to forgive the crime as if a minor issue. Others within the organization or church who witness it, then look for reasons to justify the crime of their coach, hero, or pastor. This leads to silence and also internal coverup over an actual crime under the guise of a simple sin that no-one needs to know about and that there must be “good reason” for. In abusive church settings, the congregants are told not to gossip about a potential crime and are pushed to trust their leaders and to also only count on scripture as a source of good counsel over professional resources that would immediately report a crime (2024, p.23)
Trauma informed care probes for these signs of abuse and helps expose it.
Exposing and Preventing Abusive Systems
First, if you feel as a leader in whatever capacity you are over abusing your power and authority beyond its scope and environment, then reel it in and hold oneself accountable. If outside the office, monitor those under your care and limit relationships that are not ethical. Second, if you witness abuse, report it. Do not justify someone’s behavior, normalize it, or belittle a crime.
On a larger scale, trauma informed specialists, mental health and healthcare professionals must become advocates and face organizations that look to hide abuse. This is not only legal and the law but also ethical and moral. Sometimes it may seem whistle blowing is hurting oneself but character and maintaining one’s integrity is far greater than any position. Whistle blowing on a favorite university program may hurt the program, or reporting one’s church may feel as if you endangered the holiness of it, but we need to separate the difference between a crooked and sick individual and our favorite team or church we attend. Instead, we should be enraged that someone would abuse while wearing a collar within our faith, or if a coach would misuse the honor of coaching our favorite team to abuse others or permit abuse under his/her watch. As mentioned earlier, we must be safeguarders and this must be vocational. We are the reformers of our favorite institutions when we do report. We are preserving the future of those institutions by reforming it and removing the scum that has invaded it via reporting it. This is the mindset of a reporter. Criminals must be exposed and removed from society, especially those who misuse power, exploit the vulnerable and emotionally and physically abuse others.
It is important to expose those who hurt the most vulnerable. Please also review AIHCP’s Mental and Behavioral Health programs
Politicians, pastors/priests/bishops, managers/CEOs, and coaches are not above the institution they are in or the people they serve or manage. Their must be complete zero tolerance and complete transparency. The reforms of the Catholic Church, while slow and painful, have produced fruits with more transparency that include not only reporting but also removing the alleged perpetrator with real life consequences. Whether a company, church or university there must clear and unforgiving policies and procedures that let all those who hold authority of the dire consequences that will follow if one is guilty of misuse of power and abuse. This transparency will not taint the view of the organization but actually prove that it cares about the vulnerable and individual over crime. It takes courageous persons in dark times to stand up. Victims are the most courageous by pushing forward and telling their story. Those who report and those who seek to reform institutions are also courageous risking position, status and rejection. Stopping abuse is a community and team effort!
Conclusion
Trauma Informed Care is always looking for signs of past trauma or abuse that may stem across the life span. It looks to expose and challenge any abuser or institution that has committed the crime of abuse or misused authority. As safeguarders, mental health as well as pastoral caregivers must not only help those with trauma and abuse but also be courageous enough to be whistle blowers and advocates for the abused, forcing those who misuse authority to face justice.
The concept of emotional regulation is essential in understanding how individuals manage their emotional experiences and reactions in various contexts. It encompasses a range of processes that enable individuals to influence which emotions they have, when they experience them, and how they express those emotions. The importance of emotional regulation becomes particularly evident in educational settings, where the ability to foster positive emotional experiences can significantly impact childrens development. For instance, social leadership in early childhood education plays a critical role in promoting emotional intelligence and self-regulation among young learners (Dey M, 2024). Additionally, contemporary studies suggest that integrating mindfulness-based interventions can further enhance emotional regulation by teaching individuals to accept and manage intrusive thoughts without judgment (Reis A et al., 2024). Hence, a comprehensive understanding of emotional regulation is not only pivotal for personal development but also for fostering supportive educational environments.
Please also review AIHCP’s Behavioral Health Certifications, as well as AIHCP’s Anger Management Program, as well as its Grief Counseling Program. Emotional regulation plays a key role in anger management and other stress management techniques.
You can learn to control and regulation oneself emotional through practice and various therapies
A. Definition of emotional regulation
Understanding emotional regulation is crucial for navigating the complexities of human behavior and interpersonal relationships. At its core, emotional regulation refers to the processes through which individuals influence their emotions, encompassing the awareness, management, and expression of feelings. This regulation can be considered a multifaceted construct, integrating cognitive and behavioral strategies to modify emotional responses (Rojas-Saffie JP et al., 2024). The importance of emotional regulation is underscored in various contexts, such as military leadership, where the ability to maintain emotional stability under pressure is vital for effective decision-making and responsibility (S Leshchenko et al., 2024). Moreover, the interplay between emotional regulation and personality traits suggests that these emotional management strategies are not merely reactive but can also become habitual behaviors shaped by an individuals experiences and interactions. Consequently, a comprehensive definition of emotional regulation must account for its dynamic nature and its integral role in fostering resilience and adaptive functioning across diverse situations.
B. Importance of emotional regulation in daily life
Emotional regulation plays a crucial role in daily life, influencing not only individual well-being but also interpersonal relationships and overall productivity. Effective emotional regulation enhances self-awareness, allowing individuals to identify and manage their emotions in various situations. This skill is particularly beneficial in stressful environments, as it aids in reducing anxiety and improving decision-making capabilities. For instance, young people utilizing AI-based mHealth apps have reported significant improvements in emotional self-awareness and regulation, suggesting that such tools can foster healthier emotional responses in everyday contexts (Hiller S et al., 2025). Notably, without proper emotional support, individuals may struggle to maintain these positive behaviors, leading to negative outcomes when faced with challenges (Y Vandenplas et al., 2023). Therefore, promoting emotional regulation through targeted interventions not only enriches personal experiences but also cultivates a more productive and harmonious society, underscoring its importance in daily life.
It is essential not to let anger or resentment or other emotions control us. They are not bad in themselves but they can produce bad fruits. Hence for work life, social life, family life and as well as personal health, it is important to control emotions from controlling us. Emotional regulation is a key way to help one better take control of life.
C. Overview of the essay structure
An effective essay on emotional regulation should be structured to facilitate a logical flow of ideas and arguments. The introduction must present the topic, outline the significance of emotional regulation, and establish the thesis statement, guiding the reader on what to expect. The body paragraphs should systematically examine various aspects of emotional regulation, incorporating empirical evidence and expert opinions. For instance, research highlighted in (Shan J et al., 2025) provides insights into the role of emotional management in athletic performance, underscoring its practical implications. Subsequent sections could delve into the neurobiological underpinnings of emotional regulation, as discussed in (Bardel G et al., 2024), which outlines critical brain regions and pathways involved. Finally, the conclusion should synthesize the main points, reiterating the importance of emotional regulation in diverse contexts and offering recommendations for future research or applications, thereby ensuring the essay is comprehensive and impactful.
II. Theories of Emotional Regulation
Emotional regulation, a critical aspect of psychological well-being, encompasses various theoretical frameworks that explain how individuals modulate their emotional responses to diverse stimuli. One prominent theory is Grosss Process Model, which outlines strategies for regulating emotions at different stages of emotional experience, including situation selection, modification, and cognitive appraisal. This model emphasizes the importance of cognitive appraisal in influencing emotional responses, thereby suggesting that emotional regulation can be learned and adapted over time. The intersection of technology and emotional regulation has also emerged as a significant area of study, where individuals utilize digital tools to facilitate emotion management in daily life. A diary study revealed that people actively employ various technologies to navigate their emotions, highlighting the contemporary relevance of digital platforms in emotional regulation practices (Smith W et al., 2022). Moreover, understanding emotional regulation in the context of overall mental health ties directly to definitions that acknowledge both positive and negative emotional states as vital components of a fully lived experience (Galderisi S et al., 2015).
Ultimately, it takes time but the brain has plasticity. Neuro plasticity of the brain enables new neuro networks to be carved out replacing old behaviors. This takes time, repetition and a battle sometimes with the subconscious despite one’s conscious decision.
Learning to regulate emotions involves identifying the emotion, understanding it and reframing it. CBT can play a large role in re-interpreting an emotion and also identifying various triggers to that emotion. Please also review AIHCP’s behavioral health certifications
A. Overview of key theories (e.g., Gross’s Process Model)
In the field of emotional regulation, key theories provide insightful frameworks for understanding how individuals manage their emotional experiences. Grosss Process Model is prominently recognized for outlining a sequence of emotion regulation strategies, encompassing situation selection, situation modification, attentional deployment, cognitive change, and response modulation. This model illustrates the dynamic nature of emotional regulation, where individuals can apply varying strategies at different points in the emotional response cycle. For instance, research involving people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) highlights the practical application of these strategies, underscoring how supportive environments facilitate positive emotional outcomes while maladaptive behaviors can emerge from ineffective response modulation (Nabila IN et al., 2025). Similarly, the dual-process theory of impulsivity elucidates the interplay between emotional regulation self-efficacy and risk-taking behavior among college students, emphasizing the importance of emotional self-efficacy in mitigating impulsive actions (Zhang R et al., 2025). Collectively, these theories underline the complex mechanisms that govern emotional regulation across diverse contexts.
B. The role of cognitive appraisal in emotional regulation
Cognitive appraisal serves as a critical mechanism in the process of emotional regulation, influencing both individual responses to stressors and overall emotional well-being. By evaluating the significance of various stimuli and personal circumstances, individuals engage in an intricate mental process that shapes their emotional reactions. For instance, research indicates that dispositional optimism can play a mediating role in how one perceives challenges, such as vision impairment, and subsequently regulates emotional outcomes like depressive symptoms among older adults (Ji X et al., 2025). Similarly, mindfulness has been shown to enhance the clarity of fairness judgments, further supporting adaptive emotional responses in workplace settings where perceived injustices occur (Chaprana V et al., 2025). Ultimately, the ability to appraise situations positively can foster resilience and promote healthier emotional regulation strategies, highlighting the importance of cognitive processes in managing emotions effectively across diverse contexts.
C. Differences between adaptive and maladaptive regulation strategies
Understanding the differences between adaptive and maladaptive regulation strategies is crucial for enhancing emotional well-being. Adaptive strategies, such as cognitive restructuring and mindfulness techniques, focus on altering thought processes and accepting emotional experiences, which tend to foster resilience and improve psychological outcomes (Xu M et al., 2024). In contrast, maladaptive strategies, such as avoidance or substance use, often provide short-term relief at the expense of long-term emotional stability, leading to increased stress and potential psychological distress (Eda Yılmazer, 2024). The reliance on adaptive strategies has been linked to better performance and lower levels of stress in educational settings, thereby emphasizing their importance for both students and educators. Moreover, recognizing these distinctions allows individuals to develop targeted interventions that promote emotional health, particularly in high-stress environments. Thus, the choice of regulatory strategy plays a vital role in shaping both individual well-being and broader social interactions.
III. Techniques for Emotional Regulation
In the context of emotional regulation, various techniques have emerged as effective strategies for managing emotional responses. Among these, the practice of identifying and understanding ones emotions stands out as foundational for building emotional intelligence, a construct that encompasses recognizing emotional states in oneself and others, guiding thoughts and behaviors based on emotions, and implementing effective emotion regulation strategies (Hogeveen J et al., 2016). One innovative approach is the Early Adolescent Skills for Emotions (EASE) intervention, which targets young individuals to develop coping skills through structured group sessions. This program not only teaches participants to identify their feelings but also addresses physical arousal linked with stress and provides strategies for engaging in meaningful activities that promote positive mood changes (Dawson K et al., 2019). The collective application of these techniques facilitates enhanced emotional well-being and is critical, particularly during adolescence, a period marked by heightened vulnerability to emotional dysregulation and mental health issues.
Learning to step back and reframe thoughts is a skill that can be mastered over time.
Overall healthy emotional regulation and techniques that support it involve reframing of negative thoughts, finding mindfulness in the moment, taking a break when necessary, expressing things constructively, and finding solutions. Below we will discuss various methods to utilize to help regulate emotions.
A. Mindfulness and its impact on emotional awareness
In recent years, mindfulness has emerged as a pivotal practice in enhancing emotional awareness, impacting individuals’ abilities to regulate their emotions effectively. By promoting a non-judgmental focus on the present moment, mindfulness cultivates an increased awareness of one’s thoughts and feelings, which enhances emotional recognition and understanding. This heightened emotional awareness allows individuals to respond to stressors with greater clarity and intent, rather than reacting impulsively. Studies indicate that mindfulness practices can significantly decrease burnout and emotional exhaustion, particularly in high-stress environments like medical education, where students experience increased psychological distress ((Denisse Zúñiga et al., 2021)). Additionally, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for emotional regulation has become even more critical, as healthcare workers face unprecedented levels of anxiety and fatigue. Integrating mindfulness into their routine has shown promise in reducing emotional fatigue and enhancing overall well-being ((Sasangohar F et al., 2020)). Thus, mindfulness emerges not just as a therapeutic tool but as a vital practice for fostering emotional resilience amidst challenges.
In addition to meditation, journaling can play a helpful tool in regulating emotion. Simply by keeping a log and writing about how one felt and why and on what date, can help one manage emotions and understand them better when triggers emerge. In addition, sleep, good hygiene and sometimes counseling are all ways to help manage emotions from all aspects.
B. Cognitive-behavioral strategies for managing emotions
When it comes to handling emotions, cognitive-behavioral strategies are pretty important, because they help you understand what sets off your feelings and give you better ways to deal with them. Basically, the idea is that your emotions come from how you think about stuff, pointing out how your thoughts and feelings work together. So, like, cognitive restructuring lets you question and change bad thought patterns, helping you react emotionally in a better way. This is super useful when things get intense, like in sports, where athletes often feel really anxious or frustrated. For example, a study looked at table tennis players and found that focusing your attention, which is a cognitive strategy, was the go-to way to keep emotions in check during a match – showing just how important specific cognitive strategies can be (Martinent G et al., 2015). By getting better at these cognitive-behavioral strategies, you not only get better at managing your emotions, but you can also perform better and feel better in all sorts of situations (Malekzadeh M et al., 2015).
Cognitively, one can simply name the emotion that is emerging. Whether depressed, stressed or feeling angry, one can identify the swelling feeling inside and properly label it. It is crucial to validate this natural emotion. The emotion itself should not be dismissed as repugnant or bad, but instead it should be seen as simply a natural response. It is what one does with the response or how one allows the emotion to make one feel that is detrimental. Beyond validating, it is also crucial to identify the triggers that caused the emotional reaction and correlate them and why they triggered a certain reaction.
Through CBT and other behavioral strategies, one can learn to understand feelings and thoughts and how to reframe them and better understand them and teaching one how to change and alter thoughts that come during distress that cause unwanted emotional responses.
C. The use of expressive writing as a regulation tool
Expressive writing is a pretty useful tool; it helps people deal with their emotions. When things get tough, it allows them to put their feelings into words and work through them. Studies have actually shown that writing expressively can improve emotional management and help people become more resilient, especially when they’re dealing with trauma or chronic illnesses. For example, there was this study (U Tykha, 2025) with Ukrainian university students. It showed that when expressive writing was part of their trauma-informed learning, they got better at managing their emotions and bouncing back during conflicts. Also, people with multiple sclerosis said they felt a lot better after doing an expressive writing program. They talked about feeling more empowered and discovering things about themselves as they worked through their feelings (Pawar P et al., 2025). All of this shows that expressive writing is not just good for therapy, but also for improving emotional well-being in general. That’s why it’s important in education and psychology when we’re trying to help people regulate their emotions.
IV. Emotional Regulation in Different Contexts
Emotional regulation is really important in lots of situations. You see it especially in schools. How parents get involved and how kids are learning really changes how they feel. Studies have shown that when parents are really there for their kids, those kids tend to handle their emotions better and do better in school. For example, there’s research that says when parents use a supportive style, kids are more emotionally stable (Jain B et al., 2025). But when kids learn from home, things get tricky. They have to be good at organizing themselves and controlling their emotions so they can stay healthy. Not seeing people in person can make them feel lonely and stressed. That’s why it’s super important for teachers and other students to give them support (Puhach V, 2025). So, when we think about emotional regulation, we’ve gotta remember that family support and the learning environment work together. We need to find ways to help kids with their emotions that fit their specific needs. The interplay between the two is essential.
A. Emotional regulation in interpersonal relationships
Generally speaking, emotional regulation is quite important for healthy relationships, as it helps people manage emotions in social situations. Folks who can navigate their feelings effectively tend to communicate and empathize better, and respond constructively to others’ emotional needs. It’s a process that smooths interactions and helps prevent conflicts that can arise from feeling dysregulated; intense emotions sometimes lead to misunderstandings and disproportionate reactions, you know? Furthermore, emotional regulation builds trust and safety, encouraging openness – vulnerability even – which is essential for deeper connections. Because emotional dysregulation manifests in different ways, including anxiety or irritability, understanding this becomes vital for relational resilience. In most cases, mastering emotional regulation improves individual well-being and the quality of interpersonal bonds, making it a cornerstone of, well, effective relationship management (Subramanyam A et al., 2020), (Kioupi V et al., 2019).
B. The role of emotional regulation in the workplace
Emotional regulation? It’s pretty important in creating a workplace that actually works, influencing both how employees feel and how well the organization functions overall. It helps folks handle their emotional reactions, which in turn can prevent burnout – that state of feeling totally exhausted and cynical. Plus, it encourages work engagement, something tied to energy and commitment on the job (Arnold B Bakker et al., 2022). When people are good at managing their emotions, they become more resilient to stress at work, and they also contribute more positively to how teams work together. What’s more, emotional regulation is becoming even more vital as organizations rely more on virtual environments and digital interactions. The rise of metaverses kind of suggests that emotional subtleties can have an impact on these digital interactions, underscoring the necessity for flexible emotional capabilities in both real and virtual workplaces (Yogesh K Dwivedi et al., 2022). So, developing emotional regulation skills is crucial for keeping employees engaged and building a solid, cohesive work culture.
C. Emotional regulation in mental health treatment
Mental health treatment is increasingly recognizing the importance of incorporating emotional regulation strategies, as practitioners aim to deliver more comprehensive and effective therapy. Alternative interventions such as dance therapy exemplify this trend, demonstrating their ability to alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms and to boost emotional resilience, for example, among college students (Ying C, 2025). Moreover, the experiences of individuals with HIV/AIDS highlight the intricate aspects of emotional regulation. In these cases, social support networks can be critical in encouraging positive emotional reactions and adherence to treatment protocols (Rokhmah D, 2025). Mental health professionals, in understanding this complexity, can adapt interventions to focus not just on reducing symptoms, but also on fostering emotional well-being. Generally speaking, these strategies are vital for reducing the negative impacts of stigma and social isolation and thus help to improve the quality of life in different communities as they navigate mental health issues.
It is essential to control oneself, identify emotions and understand them. Through positive approaches, we can cope with our emotions and control ourselves for better social relationships and better mental health.
Learning to find healthy ways to cope vs maladaptive ways is crucial to emotional regulation. Please also review AIHCP’s Behavioral Health Certification Programs
However, sometimes emotions can get the best of us and we can turn inward away from what needs done and turn to darker things. Maladaptive coping can result when emotions become out of control. Substance abuse, self harm, emotional eating, withdraw and isolation, and dismissing responsibilities are all results of maladaptive coping with emotions. Hence it is important to become the pilot in control of one’s emotional self.
Anger management and stress management therapies employ emotional regulation in a healthy way to push one away from maladaptive practices and dangerous reactions.
V. Conclusion
To summarize, emotional regulation is quite important for psychological well-being; it has an impact on risk-taking and even addictive behaviors. Adolescents, in particular, are susceptible, especially since advertising and other things can change how they feel and the decisions they make about e-cigarette use (Chen Y et al., 2019). It’s also worth noting that emotion dysregulation and things like food addiction are linked; this shows just how complex these emotional processes are and that trouble managing emotions can lead to some negative behaviors (Tatsi E et al., 2019). Thus, we really need targeted interventions to help people learn effective emotional regulation strategies, particularly among those who are more vulnerable. When people can better understand their emotions and become more resilient, they might find it easier to navigate the emotional stuff that contributes to risky behaviors. These types of initiatives aren’t just good for mental health but also essential for public health strategies that aim to reduce how common addictive behaviors are.
Please also review AIHCP’s Behavioral Health Certification Programs and see if they meet your academic and professional goals.
Please also review AIHCP’s Behavioral Health Certifications and see if they meet your academic and professional goals. Many of the programs are designed for clinical and non clinical professionals within the scope of their practice. This includes healthcare professionals as well as behavioral health professionals and those in pastoral care and ministry. Please review AIHCP’s numerous programs in Stress Management, Anger Management, Grief Counseling, Spiritual Counseling, Crisis Intervention and Meditation Instruction.
A. Summary of key points discussed
How we handle our emotions is really a complicated interaction of things like our biology, our mindset, and what’s going on around us. And generally speaking, a major point to consider is this microbiota-gut-brain axis thing; basically, all those trillions of tiny organisms inside us appear to have a pretty important role in shaping how we feel and act. They do this through our immune system and how our brains communicate. To give you an idea, some new research is showing that when we’re stressed or when the mix of those microorganisms changes, it might contribute to mood disorders. This suggests we should look into therapies that target these microorganisms for things like anxiety and depression (John F Cryan et al., 2019). Moreover, there’s a general agreement in the sports world that concussions mess with how athletes regulate their emotions because it affects their thinking. This highlights the need for careful clinical judgment when helping them recover (McCrory P et al., 2017). These ideas show how complex emotional regulation really is and open up possibilities for interventions aimed at improving psychological health.
B. The significance of developing emotional regulation skills
Generally speaking, nurturing the ability to regulate emotions proves highly valuable in both personal and professional arenas. Individuals who can effectively manage their feelings are often more adept at handling relationships and workplace situations, given emotional intelligence’s impact on productivity and how well teams work together. Studies suggest self-awareness and clear communication, key aspects of emotional intelligence, help foster inclusive settings that value different viewpoints (Turebayeva G et al., 2025). Moreover, for some, like individuals with autism, learning to regulate emotions is connected to interoceptive awareness—that is, the ability to understand internal bodily cues that signal emotional states. Addressing this link through specific strategies not only improves emotional management but, in most cases, also boosts involvement in everyday activities (Barmpagiannis P et al., 2025). Therefore, developing emotional regulation isn’t just good for the individual; it’s also crucial for building connections and encouraging inclusivity in different social settings.
C. Future directions for research and practice in emotional regulation
Looking ahead, it seems clear that future research into emotional regulation would do well to consider complementary approaches—yoga, for example—for their ability to perhaps lessen anxiety and bolster emotional resilience. We’ve seen that yoga may regulate emotions through various mechanisms, suggesting it could be a useful addition to treatment for anxiety disorders; more research is definitely needed to see how it works across different groups of people (Thakar N et al., 2024). On another note, it’s becoming increasingly important to understand how what happens at work affects family life, especially when it comes to emotional regulation. Studies looking at how being excluded by a supervisor affects family relationships—specifically through the lens of emotional regulation—could yield some very important understanding. This could in turn inform interventions designed to foster emotional resilience in workplace settings (Zeng Q et al., 2024). To sum up, expanding our research to take into account both holistic and contextual elements will be key for developing effective strategies for helping people and improving mental well-being overall.
The fear of monsters or TERAPHOBIA has permeated human culture throughout history, serving as a compelling lens through which to examine psychological anxieties and societal norms. Such fears often reflect deeper concerns, including the unknown, loss of control, and existential dread, which can manifest in various forms, from folklore to modern horror media. This essay seeks to explore the psychological underpinnings of these fears, particularly how monstrous figures symbolize our innermost anxieties. By drawing parallels between literary representations and psychological theories, we uncover the ways in which these fears can illuminate our understanding of the human condition. The phenomenon of monsters in narratives can be likened to the prophetic literature found in the Hebrew Bible, where fear is intimately tied to the moral and ethical discourse of society, drawing connections that reveal the nuanced relationship between fear, representation, and individual experience (Uhlenbruch F et al., 2016). In a similar vein, the analysis of art and its interpretations during wartime highlights the subjective nature of fear and memory, emphasizing that understanding these emotions is crucial for comprehending the broader context of human experience (Waters et al., 2017).
Please also review AIHCP’s Behavioral Health and Mental Health Certifications. Click here
What is the psychological reason for the human creation of monsters and fears of the make believe?
A. Definition of monsters in psychological context
In the psychological context, monsters often serve as metaphors for deep-seated fears and anxieties that individuals grapple with, illustrating the complex interplay between perception and reality. These entities may embody societal fears or personal traumas, which can manifest through various psychological pathways as described by Rachman’s theory of fear acquisition. This theory posits that fears can emerge through direct conditioning, vicarious learning, or through the transmission of information, revealing how external stimuli can shape an individuals understanding of monstrosity (Ajzen et al., 2001). Moreover, the societal stigmatization of certain behaviors and conditions contributes to the crafting of monsters within the psyche, emphasizing the harmful consequences of metaphorical dehumanization, as seen in discussions surrounding disability. This phenomenon not only reinforces boundaries of normality but also reflects how such narratives can lead to destructive social attitudes and actions, like the troubling concept of ‘mercy killing’ in response to perceived monstrosity (Waltz et al., 2008).
B. Overview of fear as a psychological phenomenon
Fear, as a psychological phenomenon, serves a critical role in human cognition and behavior, especially in the context of monstrous narratives. Traditionally regarded as an adaptive response, fear prepares individuals to confront perceived threats—whether real or imagined. This response is particularly evident in horror genres, where monsters symbolize deeper societal anxieties and moral dilemmas, thereby allowing audiences to explore their fears in a controlled environment. Such interaction can evoke feelings of pleasure and discomfort simultaneously, reflecting the complex interplay between fear and fascination. For instance, the interplay of sex and horror has been noted to elicit competing responses, resulting in both attraction and revulsion from viewers, suggesting that fear may not only be a mere reaction to threats but also a complex emotional experience that challenges societal norms, as discussed in (Jones et al., 2017). Ultimately, understanding fears role assists in unpacking the psychological motives behind our fascination with monsters, revealing its roots in cultural narratives and individual psychologies, as highlighted in (Burton et al., 2019).
Monsters sometimes represent deeper fears , symbols as well as humanity’s own corruption.
C. Importance of studying fear of monsters in psychology
The exploration of fear, particularly the fear of monsters, serves as a profound means of understanding psychological development and societal values. Monsters often symbolize our deepest anxieties, embodying fears of the unknown or unresolved trauma. By studying these fears, psychologists can unveil underlying emotional and cognitive processes that shape human behavior. This analysis can also encourage discussions about the nature of good and evil, paralleling Tolkiens exploration of beauty and despair in his narratives, which reveals how joy is often intertwined with sorrow and loss (Philpott et al., 2016). Furthermore, addressing the fear of monsters allows for a critical examination of societal beliefs, reflecting our collective fears and the ways these fears manifest in cultural narratives. This understanding is crucial for developing therapeutic interventions, as mitigating fear can ultimately lead to healthier coping mechanisms and a better comprehension of individual and shared human experiences (A Lathrop et al., 2015).
While fear can serve a protective device, teraphobia can cause unnecessary anxiety due to the irrational fear. It can cause clinging in children, avoidance and cripple people from living life. This can disrupt sleep and cause other emotional issues. It can also cause nightmares and night terrors as well as create unhealthy ritualistic behaviors to face these fears.
II. Historical Perspectives on Monsters
The historical perspectives on monsters reveal a profound interplay between cultural narratives and psychological fears, reflecting societal anxieties that transcend time. In literature and mythology, monsters have often represented societal fears, embodying the unknown or the other in various forms. As these depictions evolved, they became reflections of the moral and cultural sentiments of their respective eras, revealing underlying societal concerns, such as justice and transgression. The work of positivist criminology illustrates this connection, positing that monsters—like criminal behavior—cannot be purely understood through scientific frameworks devoid of cultural context; they are instead shaped by the irrational tropes and images that society generates (Burton et al., 2019). Furthermore, the examination of prophetic literature in the Hebrew Bible highlights how monsters also symbolize warnings or prophetic truths, demonstrating their role in both societal critique and psychological exploration (Uhlenbruch F et al., 2016). Thus, the historical discourse on monsters serves as a window into the evolving fears and cultural dynamics of humanity.
A. Evolution of monster myths across cultures
The evolution of monster myths across cultures reflects deep-seated psychological fears that transcend geographical and temporal boundaries. Historically, monsters have served as embodiments of societal anxieties, from the grotesque beings of mythological narratives to contemporary representations in popular media. These creatures often symbolize the unknown, encapsulating fears related to mortality, chaos, and the supernatural. As detailed in the exploration of cognitive dissonance, individuals grapple with conflicting beliefs about empirical knowledge and transcendent forces, leading to a persistent discomfort that fuels the creation and adaptation of monster myths (Montell et al., 2001). Furthermore, examining prophetic literature through the lens of science fiction reveals how modern cultures reinterpret ancient fears, linking both the imaginative and empirical realms (Uhlenbruch F et al., 2016). This cyclical process of myth creation not only reflects cultural values but also offers insights into the psychological mechanisms that drive humanitys enduring fascination with the monstrous.
Whether it is Dracula, loch ness, or bigfoot, monster stories evolve across cultures. Some monster myths surprisingly share similarities across cultures to point towards a common consciousness of human fear that is universal.
The development of the mythos and folklore of monsters has many origins and can affect individuals in pathological ways that may not have been intended
B. Psychological interpretations of historical monsters
The phenomenon of historical monsters often serves as a lens through which we can explore societal fears and psychological interpretations. These figures, whether real or mythologized, reflect the cultural anxieties and moral uncertainties of their times. For instance, the grotesque behaviors attributed to notorious figures not only illustrate individual psychopathy but also reveal broader societal concerns about deviance and order. The study of these monsters allows us to analyze the inherent contradictions in criminological thought; as noted, “positivist criminology confronts an inherent contradiction in purporting to develop a purely scientific account of phenomena that are defined by the moral and cultural sentiments of a society” (Burton et al., 2019). Furthermore, examining these figures provides insights into the collective psyche, suggesting that their “marginality” and the fear they evoke can illuminate deeper truths about a societys self-image and moral landscape (Chin et al., 2011). Thus, historical monsters are integral to understanding both psychological trauma and cultural identity.
C. The role of folklore in shaping fear of monsters
Folklore serves as a vital cultural construct, profoundly shaping human perceptions of fear, particularly in the context of monsters. It embodies collective anxieties and societal fears, transforming them into recognizable narratives that both illustrate and amplify the psychological terror associated with the unknown. For instance, the concept of Thin Places in Celtic mythology reflects an enduring belief in liminal spaces where the veil between the ordinary and the supernatural becomes tenuous, creating an atmosphere ripe for the emergence of fearful entities (Healy et al., 2014). Similarly, during the tumultuous period of World War II, the Italian populaces collective fear gave rise to the mysterious figure of Pippo, a spectral aircraft that unites their anxieties about warfare and the unseen dangers lurking above them (Perry et al., 2003). These examples illustrate how folklore not only reflects but actively constructs a societal framework for understanding and contextualizing fear, particularly in the manifestation of monstrous figures.
Many stories of monsters also delve into deeper human lessons about humanity, corruption and also protecting the self from that corruption. Monsters serve as a fear device to keep us away from forbidden things that can corrupt or hurt us. The stories of not entering the forest at night in both European and American folklore all teach of the inherent dangers that exist in the woods at night. Teaching children to lock the door, or not to wander off, are all important lessons to protect but through that use of fear to protect, phobias can later develop that create irrational fears of being alone or walking in the woods.
I think many religious traditions have their teachings as well on evil. While many do not delve as far as the mythos of monsters and folkore surrounding monsters, many monster architypes develop from religious concepts based off of demonic. For many, the demonic is fearful and real enough to add any other dimension of monster in the world. For this reason, while closely connected, demons need out of respect to religious traditions to be categorized differently. While beliefs are beliefs and not up to empiric observation, the concept of demons surrounds religious dogma, while folklore delves more into the imagination. This is not to say, demon fear and craze can erupt from ultra religious minds and create pathology but the dogmatic belief of demons within the creeds of the the faiths remains something different in extreme than monster fears but at the same time, something open to possible extremism. I think this needs to be understood when looking at the human experience and demonology.
III. Psychological Theories of Fear
An understanding of psychological theories of fear provides significant insights into the anxiety surrounding monsters, both real and fantastical. Rachmans theory of fear acquisition posits that fears can emerge through direct conditioning, vicarious learning, and information processing; notably, childhood experiences with frightening narratives can shape perceptions of monsters ((Ajzen et al., 2001)). For instance, exposure to stories about monsters can foster fear-related beliefs, demonstrating how verbal information influences emotional responses. This interplay is particularly evident in children, whose fear may be heightened based on the source of the information, such as whether it comes from a trusted adult or peer ((Ajzen et al., 2001)). Furthermore, the broader implications of fear reveal how cultural narratives surrounding monstrosity draw on psychological principles, blending empirical research with societal beliefs. This intersection suggests that psychological frameworks not only explain individual fears but also highlight the cultural constructs that shape our collective understanding of monstrosity ().
A. Theories of fear development in childhood
Theories of fear development in childhood offer insights into why children often harbor irrational fears, particularly regarding monsters. Rachmans theory of fear acquisition posits that these fears can develop through several pathways, including direct conditioning, vicarious learning, and information or instruction, suggesting a multifaceted origin for phobias that include the fear of fantastical creatures (Ajzen et al., 2001). Moreover, the influence of information, particularly verbal cues from significant adults, can substantially alter a childs fear-related beliefs. For instance, children exposed to narratives about monsters from trusted figures demonstrated increased fear perceptions, highlighting the power of verbal instruction in shaping their understanding and responses to the unknown (Ajzen et al., 2001). Additionally, the concept of strangeness further elucidates the conditions under which fears arise; as children encounter unfamiliar stimuli that disrupt their sense of control, they often react with alarm, thus perpetuating their fear of such entities .
Children can develop fear of monsters due to social digestion of material, beliefs handed down, or stories intended to protect them but ultimately detrimental to their psychological health
Ultimately, how many children fear the dark, the monster in the closet or under the bed. These fears have roots in observation, digestion of social content, and stories handed down, whether for the protection of a child to avoid something, or out of pure superstition. Yet these stories can cause intense anxiety in children, sleep disturbances, night terrors, fears of the dark, avoidance of certain rooms, as well as clinging to parents. Children with these fears need comforted to avoid more trauma, as well as reassurances and awards for being brave and facing fears.
When teraphobia becomes crippling then serious mental help is needed. Some individuals rooted in deep superstition, or certain belief can become terrified beyond the rituals of protection but also negatively affected in their daily activities or stricken with a deep sense of fear. Others may face psychosis. Many due to this can face deep trauma that is unneeded but still nevertheless present.
B. The impact of media on fear perception
The media definitely has a big impact on how scared people get, especially when it comes to “monsters”—whether we’re talking about real creatures or just scary ideas. You can see this in the way the news spreads really dramatic stories. For instance, when there’s a lot of coverage of something rare, like kids getting abducted, it can cause a huge panic, even if the actual danger isn’t as high as people think. That whole “stranger danger” idea is a good example. It’s often based on emotional stories and a general sense of moral panic pushed by the media, which can make it hard to have a reasonable conversation about how to keep kids safe (Wodda et al., 2018). Plus, the way people with disabilities are often talked about—using metaphors that make them seem weak or broken—keeps fear alive. It reinforces stereotypes, makes differences seem like problems, and ultimately, dehumanizes entire groups of people (Waltz et al., 2008). So, the things we see in the media not only make society more afraid but also make it harder to understand what the real risks are. What we really need are stories that are more thoughtful and show the world as it is, instead of just trying to shock us.
C. Cognitive-behavioral approaches to overcoming fear
Cognitive-behavioral methods offer solid strategies for tackling irrational fears, like a fear of monsters, using systematic intervention. A key piece of this is cognitive restructuring. Essentially, this involves spotting and then challenging distorted beliefs about threats we think we see. Research points to how the information kids get really matters; it can reshape those fear-based beliefs. Verbal narratives, studies show, can profoundly change how children view scary things, like monsters, more so than visual aids (Ajzen et al., 2001). Also, it’s helpful to understand how early anxiety and what’s happening at home plays into all this. This can make treatment better. Addressing, say, maternal anxiety and temperament becomes pretty vital for prevention (Briggs-Gowan et al., 2010). By mixing cognitive restructuring with exposure therapy—gradually facing fears in a safe way—people can build resilience and dial down the emotional pain these long-held phobias cause.
Counselors can help individuals identify irrational fears, as any phobias, and cognitively approach the reality behind it. It is important to validate the emotions behind the fears but to help the person recognize the irrationality behind them intellectually. In addition, counselors can help individuals who may have phobia induced trauma and face these fears through controlled exposure of those fears over a modified period of time. Meditation and breathing to help calm anyone with unneeded anxiety are also excellent ways to help individuals face phobias and trauma itself. Many other coping skills can be utilized as well that best help the person. Finally, positive reinforcement is key in helping progress.
Ultimately it comes to cognitive recognition of the irrational nature of the fear, learning to face the fear through exposure and utilizing coping strategies to face those fears.
IV. The Role of Monsters in Modern Society
Monsters, those figures of dread, have always been crucial cultural icons. They embody our deepest anxieties, and their place in today’s world really mirrors how complex our minds are. Theories about how we learn to fear things, like Rachman’s pathways theory, shows us that our fears aren’t just there; they’re grown through what we experience ourselves, what we see others go through, and even what we hear about, especially when we’re kids (Ajzen et al., 2001). You see, through the stories we take in from media, monsters tend to become these figures that represent bigger issues in our society. They sort of act like a lens, helping us deal with what makes us uneasy. This dance between our culture and our fears makes you wonder if just cold, hard science can really explain why we do what we do and how we feel, which is pretty evident when you look at how criminology has changed over time (Burton et al., 2019). As the monsters we see in stories today evolve, they give us a peek into what we’re all afraid of. It allows us to have conversations about right and wrong, the rules of society, and those parts of us that just don’t make sense. And that’s really why they continue to be relevant in understanding the human psyche of our world
A. Monsters as metaphors for societal fears
Monsters popping up in stories, you know, kind of show what a society’s afraid of, especially as those fears change. Take zombies, for example. They weren’t always about the end of the world type stuff, but now they’re like, a big symbol of our worries about everything falling apart and a general sense of “what’s the point?” Their historical backdrop, as some have pointed out, reveals how they echo worries about revolutions, gender roles, and even different political ideas, really capturing a wide range of societal troubles (Mendoza et al., 2016). Then, there’s the uncanny valley idea. That helps explain why things that are almost human, but not quite—like, well, zombies—freak us out so much (Mendoza et al.). It’s like a built-in survival thing, trying to keep us away from danger and sickness. It really just shows how our brains and what we’re afraid of are all tangled up together in our culture. So, these monsters are more than just fun to watch; they give us a peek into what society’s worried about and what’s going on in our collective minds, generally speaking.
Societal fears of the dark, unknown or the woods are a source for creation of the unknown monster lurking. Please also review AIHCP’s behavioral health certifications
B. The influence of horror films and literature on fear
Horror films and literature, in their vastness, have significantly molded how society perceives fear, especially the unease we feel about monsters—both the real ones and those we conjure in our minds. These narratives, frequently combining psychological tension with vividly descriptive scenes, manage to reach deep into our most basic fears, letting us face the unknown from a secure vantage point. It’s a portrayal of monsters, frightening yet strangely captivating, that seems to embody broader societal anxieties, in most cases. This sort of depiction encourages a distinctive look at what makes humans vulnerable (Uhlenbruch F et al., 2016). The way fantastical aspects mix with emotions we can all identify with does more than just entertain; it prompts us to think hard about what fear really is. Then there’s the effect of these genres on how we see authority figures, which offers further insight into the intricate dance between how things are shown and how audiences take them (Dagaz et al., 2011). Generally speaking, horror becomes a reflection of our deepest terrors, offering a mirror—and a lens—through which we examine the shadows that exist both inside and outside us.
I think some good examples as well include Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” where we sometimes discover that the true monster is not the monster itself but who we are and what we can be. Finding the monster within and using the monsters as symbols of the worst mankind has to offer sometimes is a way to express evil. As human beings, we all fear evil and our deepest worst side. Again, if we look at the Robert Stevenon’s classic “Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde” we see the motif and fear of the monster inside of all of us.
In addition, we see this darker and evil side of humanity in the many zombie movies and series that show the corruption of humanity. This same motif is found in the folklore of vampires and the corruption of humanity.
C. The therapeutic use of monsters in psychology
Monsters, frequently thought of as just products of our minds, can actually be quite helpful in therapy. They act as stand-ins, in a way, for what we’re afraid of and the battles we fight inside ourselves. Psychology suggests that picturing our problems as monsters can assist individuals in dealing with doubt and difficulty. The idea is to change these anxieties into something we can handle, not something that overwhelms us. This approach aligns with the idea of being in-between, as described in (Hay A et al., 2016), where people are working out who they are and how they see themselves. By thinking of emotional problems as monsters, people in therapy can sort of put those fears outside themselves, which then makes it easier to talk about them and start feeling better. What’s more, neurorhetoric shows us that these monster metaphors not only connect with our psychological challenges but also change how we react to fear, which makes the therapy even more effective (Jewel et al., 2017). Seen in this light, monsters become useful for building strength and helping people grow, as they navigate their psychological landscapes.
V. Conclusion
To summarize, when we consider the relationship between psychological ideas and that common fear of monsters, we can glean interesting points about why we behave the way we do and how we grow as people. This discussion looked at how fears of monsters, which frequently take hold in our childhood, turn up in different psychological situations, such as anxiety and specific phobias. Adolescent studies, for instance, illustrate the link between personality and phobic reactions, suggesting that these fears aren’t just random thoughts but are actually connected to our psychological nature (Alibrandi et al., 2019). Also, the history of these fears suggests that cultural stories have historically had an impact on how we view monstrosity, demonstrating a close connection between what society values and what an individual thinks (Burton et al., 2019). Grasping the fear of monsters is important for dealing with individual anxieties and for starting a wider conversation about how our culture influences our views of fear and safety.
There are many reasons the mind, society and culture creates monsters. Please also review AIHCP’s Behavioral Health Certifications
A. Summary of key points discussed
So, when we’re talking about psychology and why we’re scared of monsters, we’re really digging into a lot of different stuff that shows us both who we are as humans and the things society builds around us. We touched on a few big ideas, like how fear might have started as a way to keep us alive, making us wary of the unknown. This means that our basic need to survive is actually tied to how we understand monsters in our culture. Also, the way movies and books show us monsters really matters, since these stories don’t just entertain us—they also show us what we’re afraid of as a society, acting like a mirror reflecting our worries. Like, these stories often pull from what’s happened in the past, mixing together psychology with cultural stories. That sort of makes figuring out fear and its different forms a bit complicated. It’s worth pointing out that the connection between science and what scares us reveals some disagreements within scientific thinking, (Uhlenbruch F et al., 2016) and (Burton et al., 2019) pointed this out, proving that what we believe culturally has a huge impact on how we see monsters, and it’s not just about science.
B. Implications for understanding fear in psychology
Psychological studies of fear offer crucial insights into how we react to perceived dangers, like, say, monsters. Fear, as Rachman theorized, can arise from direct experience, learning by watching others, or simply from what we’re told. This indicates that the ways children form fear-based ideas about things like monsters are significantly affected by these routes (Ajzen et al., 2001). Interestingly, what adults tell children can change what they believe about fear, stressing how important context and social influences are in the psychology of fear (Ajzen et al., 2001). However, grasping fear isn’t just about individual experiences. It also sets the stage for understanding broader anxieties molded by stories we all share. Sometimes, these stories paint the unknown as something monstrous, impacting how society acts and feels about fear. Therefore, a thorough understanding of fear is beneficial in psychology from both theoretical and hands-on perspectives.
C. Future directions for research on fear of monsters
Future research on the fear of monsters really needs to embrace interdisciplinary work to help us truly understand this common fear. We need to look at more than just psychology; we have to consider the context, too. The context can really change how we perceive and feel fear toward monsters. For example, studying the “ecological” side of fear – think about how family or the community plays a role – could give us important clues about how fear changes. It’s also helpful to remember how studies have connected temperament with childhood anxiety; so, understanding how personality and the environment interact might point us toward new ways to help. (Briggs-Gowan et al., 2011). Plus, monster stories often have cultural roots. That said, comparing how different cultures react to monsters could broaden our understanding and improve therapeutic treatments (A Lathrop et al., 2015). Overall, when researchers use these different strategies, we will get a deeper, more detailed view of the fear of monsters and what it means.
Alien abduction stories have moved more into main stream acceptance since the 1950s. No longer are many of these accounts swept under the rug as psychosis, or shared with bedtime stories of vampires or big foot sightings. Instead, many professionals have come to some conclusion that these experiences may be real. While there has been a shift in possible acceptance of these accounts due to more credible witnesses, discovery of possible inhabitable earth like planets, as well as official military releases and congressional investigations, there still exists plenty of mental health professionals who would deem the encounters as naturally explainable or misconstrued.
Alien Abduction Syndrome exhibits common traits in individuals who report it
I think we need to have a possible open mind but until empirical data emerges, these stories and accounts are hard to prove as gospel proof of an event. Modern psychology, tends to drift away from un-explained phenomenon and seeks to find the rational explanations. In this blog, we will with an open mind look at Alien Abduction Syndrome, its manifestations, psychological and rational explanations, as well as possible counter arguments that show these events as plausible. We will also look most importantly look at the traumatic effects these events have on individuals as well as how to help them through it.
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Reality or Psychosis?
When unexplained events occur, many times psychosis, repressed memories, past trauma, cognitive distortions, or natural explanations can explain the incident. However, many scientists as well as counselors understand that not everything in reality must be confined to the empirical code. With this creates a sharp divide between academic professionals who adhere to strict empiricism in practice or for those who feel the world is larger than observation via the senses.
Those who adhere to strict empiricism will rule out all stories of experiences of alien abduction, as well as demonic possession, while others may have an open mind to such experiences in human behavior. Strict empiricists would include aliens and demons in the same chapter with bigfoot, vampires and various monsters, while counselors who hold strong to spiritual ideals, are open to other options when mental illness or natural explanations are eliminated as possible solutions.
When to comes to the demonic, testimonies, unnatural events yet to be explained, and third party testimony has led many to believe that not all cases are psychosis or mental illness. The same has held true for accounts of UFO sightings and alien abductions with many events from credible sources. These resources have shifted possible UFO existence into the mainstream and something modern psychology cannot prove but may not be so quick to dismiss always as a psychosis event. I think while it is important to adhere to psychological standards, it is a very atheistic and proud view to dismiss everything as explainable to our current paradigm. While bias can play a strong motivator in evaluating cases of wanting to believe a story, sometimes, a story or testimony goes well pass any diagnosis of psychosis.
Alien abduction or psychosis? Please also review AIHCP’s Behavioral Health Certifications
So I feel counselors need to be very cautious in dismissing a story told to them by a client without first showing a strong sensitivity to the trauma level of the person, as well as reviewing all naturally explainable ingredients of the story to see what fits and what does not fit from a psychological science based view. Some metaphysical experiences, as well as UFO or abduction stories are indeed psychosis, or misinterpreted, or naturally explainable, but sometimes, we cannot sweep under the rug every disturbing story we hear as merely explainable. So, there is a very mixed reaction to alien abduction within the scientific community and will continue to be so until empirical evidence can support a universal claim. Until then, it is important to shift through the variety of possible explanations within the realm of science and psychology for any demonic or alien type encounter–and only after an exhaustive search and diagnosis is completed, to come to a conclusion that the person’s story is reliable or not–and if reliable, then the even scarier attempt to understand what happened and how to help the person with this trauma.
It is important to remember that whether something occurred or did not occur, the trauma that manifested is real.
Psychological Explanations for Alien Abduction/UFO Sightings or Demonic Attack
Whether you believe in aliens or demons or UFO sightings from a spiritual belief or strong and reliable testimony, one must admit that not all alien or demonic occurrences are real. Many people have mental trauma, psychosis, distorted memories, or misconstrued what they saw. If every single sighting or metaphysical event was taken as truth, we would be doing our clients a disservice and playing into their own dangerous psychosis and not treating the malignant ailment causing these issues. So it is important to investigate the more probable causes of these manifestations but to review these in such a way as to be sensitive and not demeaning to the client expressing trauma and fear in the account of the story itself.
Cognitive perceptions and beliefs can distort reality in how one experiences an event or recalls and remembers the actual event itself. Memories themselves of the initial event can also be effected due to secondary events since the event, as well as possible recalling during hypnosis. During intense emotion, the recalled event sometimes can be different than the initial event or how it was initially experienced. Those who also experience PTSD can also exhibit flashbacks, vivid dreams, or dissociation from reality. It is no secret that many who report abduction also have a case history of childhood trauma and other events in their life.
What are some psychological explanations for alien abduction?
Psychodynamic theories postulate that events or memories can stem from unconscious psychological projections due to universal human ideas regarding cultural fears and anxieties that manifest in these encounters. Karl Jung theorized that UFO sightings were a cultural manifestation of archetypal symbols that reside in humanity’s collective consciousness. In addition, during times of historical uncertainty, fear, anxiety and war, many of these symbols manifest in a person’s life. In addition, many of the feelings of fear, helplessness, and anxiety are closely related to repressed trauma. Trauma can resurface after digesting various stories about other events, as UFOs, and resurface in dreams, sleep paralysis, and other manifestations. According to Freud, many terrible events in life are repressed from the conscious mind that later resurface in this way through symbols of demons, monsters or aliens.
For the sane mind, many times, objects or events are simply misinterpreted due to lack of clear sight, weather conditions, or disorientation. Many things in reality turn out to be merely a shadow, or object in the room, or if in the sky, merely an object that is unidentified but completely explainable. Instead, due to media perceptions, bias, spiritual beliefs, the mind looks to fill in the gap of the story. Anomalous perception as a concept illustrates how the brain seeks to find answers and fill in gaps when the complete sensory picture evades it.
There are also numerous pathological issues that need to be addressed when someone recalls a story of alien abduction. First, is the experience delusional due to mental psychosis or Schizophrenia? Is the person on medication that causes psychosis? Are the hallucinations due to drugs, or mental pathology? Did the person exhibit sleep paralysis which is a dreamlike state where the person becomes conscious and unable to move but feels in the process traumatized, terrified and helpless? Many of these hallucinations or perceptions can be tied to media, imagination, as well as research on a topic.
Hence without dismissing immediately and upsetting a client, a thorough case history of the person is needed, as well as a diagnosis that eliminates cognitive distortions, psychodynamic manifestations, trauma, pathological issues, drugs and sociocultural influences that may reflect in these encounters.
The Alien Abduction Syndrome Story
The alien abduction story has similarities. This can both account to a universal disorder, that finds itself retold by study of previous accounts, or a general human psychodynamic response in the modern cultural world, but it can also account for a general theme shared by different unassociated people. So, while the account may be consistent with other stories, one cannot assume it is a valid encounter merely based on common themes. Within this traumatic recalling of an event or perceived event, the individual displays these common traits of the encounter.
There are numerous common threads that are universally found in alien abduction stories. Please also review AIHCP’s Behavioral Health Certifications
In these events, the first aspect relates to the capture event. Whether in bed, or on the road, taken, or beamed, the capture event illustrates how the alien entity was able to capture the person. Following this step, includes the second aspect of experimentation and examining which can purely medical, or even sexual in nature. Following the experimentation, the third part of the account relates to some type of communication, followed fourth by a tour of the vessel, The fifth element is the universal experience of loss of time. Following the sixth part of return, most experience a seventh theophany event of some type of emotional or philosophical or metaphysical change or outlook on life. Some may experience a high or love, while others may be filled with a complete dread. Finally, the eighth phase includes the aftermath where the person attempts to understand the experience.
Within this account, what can we conclude?
For many, this may very well be explained by science or psychology from cognitive distortions, psychodynamic explanations, cultural biased views, unresolved trauma, drugs or some type of mental pathology.
For others, some studies have equally shown individuals of sane mind recounting these events and sharing a common narrative. Some of these stories come from reputable sources as well. The same can stem from stories of exorcism where individuals all account the same phenomenon or relate events that defy logic or scientific explanation.
Some from Christian perspectives hold that alien encounters are demonic manifestations.
Others from New Age perspectives share stories of collective alien alliances and different species of aliens with different intentions. Others claim to communicate with these entities.
With such a mixed results and theories based in bias, belief, and no true empirical universal proof, it can be very difficult to sift through what is really happening but one thing that can be agreed on is that the experience creates trauma and dread for many. Some may walk away with curiosity or hope, while others walk away with extreme dread. If a person illustrates no pathological or rational explanations, it is best to help the person face that trauma and not so much try to prove or disprove the event.
Counseling AAS
Whether real or imaginary, there are real traumas associated with Alien Abduction Syndrome
So from what we have concluded, whether someone enters a counseling sessions, speaking of seeing a demon, bigfoot or an alien, the counselor must approach the story carefully as not to prove or disprove and challenge the person at first. This can cause more trauma, especially for a person already suffering from psychosis, much less anger an individual who may have no mental issues but also strong spiritual beliefs. The purpose of the counseling is to help the person discover on their own if what they have experienced is real or not and how to heal from that trauma. If indeed, case study and psycho therapy or natural explanations emerge that present evidence of not a real event, the counselor as part of the healing process should help the person come to grips with that it was not real, but if such evidence is not presented, then the role of the counselor is to help the person heal from the trauma and in a healthy way come to some type of conclusion of what occurred, as unexplainable but plausible. The client should not be labeled as crazy or insane, but instead aided in reconciling the disturbing and unexplained event, as something that may have occurred, or yet to be determined. An individual who suffers from no true pathology, should not be made to feel superstitious or insane if a counselor has a different view on a unexplained religious experience or alien encounter. The goal again of the counselor is to help the client come to grips with the experience and to move forward from it.
In many of these cases, the experience itself can cause trauma, fear, dread and anxiety. One can develop insomnia and other sleep disturbances. Others may become hyper vigilant and become extra cautious of their surroundings or when they go certain places. Many exhibit what victims express during rape or assault and will share the same reactions. Some may experience intrusive thoughts, or due to PTSD of the event manifest flashbacks, nightmares, or even dissociate. Some may fall into depression, or social withdraw. The fears and also frustrations of not being believed, or considered crazy can have multiple emotional reactions with the person.
Counselors can help individuals through the trauma and fear tied to these events and better understand themselves in relationship to it.
Helping individuals with PTSD usually involves grounding, EMDR, hypnosis, and meditation and breathing techniques. For many, cognitive behavioral therapy can help individuals understand why something like this happened to them and how to learn to cope through the loss and pain associated with it. Other emotional based Rogerian therapies may help the person express the pain and emotion of the event and the post ridicule and shame following the event. Others may find coping with support peer groups who share similar stories, or others my reinterpret the event as something tied to their role and spirituality with God. Those who experience demonic attack, or abductions, or even near death experiences, usually are able to tie to a deeper spiritual message that translates to a closer union with God and understanding of life. Whether traumatic or good experience, whether real or imaginary, it is important for the counselor to help the person come to grips what was experienced and to heal and grow from the trauma of the event.
Conclusion
While alien abduction, near death experience, or demonic attack has many explanations within psychology, not all cases fit the subjective credentials of someone being cognitively distorted, pathological or experiencing past trauma, but instead present real issues to the objective nature of the event. Many credible accounts in these experiences as well as recent investigations by the congressional house into UFO sightings have raised the bar to go beyond merely dismissing all accounts. While the status of these accounts are separating from folklore and myth, counselors need to discern that their client is not subjectively compromised to delusion, but after such investigation is thoroughly dismissed in an individual case, the counselor needs to help the client come to grips with the event and trauma. The trauma not the event should be the main concern in these cases for the counselor and the primary purpose to heal the client despite the counselor’s personal beliefs about it. The client needs to be freed from dangerous labels. In treating trauma, the counselor will need to address the issue from multiple therapies and ways to help the person again find resolution with the experience as to move forward in life.
Please also review AIHCP’s numerous behavioral health certifications
Please also review AIHCP’s Behavioral Health Certifications and see if they meet one’s professional and academic needs. The programs are online and independent study and open to qualified professionals working within the scope of their non-clinical or clinical practice. Obviously treatment of alien abduction and the therapies fall under a clinical scope beyond the basic disucussion.
Additional Blogs
Christian Counseling: Aliens and Christian Theology. Click here
Ghosting and gaslighting are two common issues in relationships with people. They are both manipulative and damaging to the victim. This video takes a closer look at both issues.
While cheating holds a negative meaning in social norms and society, many still pursue it. Why? There are many personality and psychological reasons. This video takes a closer look at why partners cheat and the psychology behind it.
Please also review AIHCP’s Behavioral Health Certifications. Click here
