Emotional Flooding: A Review of the Phenomenon and Coping Strategies
Abstract
Emotional flooding is a phenomenon in which a person is overwhelmed by intense emotion, often leading to impulsive behavior and difficulty making decisions. This article provides an overview of emotional flooding, including its causes, symptoms, and various coping strategies. Additionally, the article reviews current research on emotional flooding and suggests directions for future research.
Introduction
Emotional flooding is a phenomenon in which a person experiences an intense surge of emotion that is difficult, if not impossible, to control (Lilienfeld et al., 2015). This phenomenon can be caused by a range of environmental and internal factors, such as negative life events, traumatic experiences, and high levels of stress (Lilienfeld et al., 2015). When a person is emotionally flooded, they may experience a range of symptoms, including difficulty focusing, feeling overwhelmed, and impulsive behavior (Lilienfeld et al., 2015). It is important to understand the phenomenon of emotional flooding in order to recognize the symptoms and develop effective coping strategies.
Causes of Emotional Flooding
The causes of emotional flooding can vary, but typically involve intense or prolonged stress. Common causes of emotional flooding include traumatic experiences, such as physical or sexual assault, the death of a loved one, or a serious medical diagnosis (Lilienfeld et al., 2015). Other causes of emotional flooding include negative life events, such as job loss, financial problems, or relationship difficulties (Lilienfeld et al., 2015). In some cases, emotional flooding may be caused by internal factors, such as fear of failure or self-doubt (Lilienfeld et al., 2015).
Symptoms of Emotional Flooding
When a person is emotionally flooded, they may experience a range of physical and psychological symptoms. Common physical symptoms of emotional flooding include a racing heart, difficulty breathing, and trembling (Lilienfeld et al., 2015). Psychological symptoms of emotional flooding can include feeling overwhelmed, difficulty concentrating, and impulsive behavior (Lilienfeld et al., 2015). Additionally, a person who is emotionally flooded may experience feelings of intense anger, sadness, or fear (Lilienfeld et al., 2015).
Coping Strategies for Emotional Flooding
When a person experiences emotional flooding, it is important to take steps to manage the intense emotions and reduce the risk of impulsive behavior. One helpful strategy is to take deep breaths and focus on the present moment (Lilienfeld et al., 2015). Another strategy is to take a few moments to practice mindful meditation or relaxation techniques (Lilienfeld et al., 2015). Additionally, it can be helpful to engage in activities that allow a person to express their emotions in a healthy way, such as journaling, art, or music (Lilienfeld et al., 2015).
Research on Emotional Flooding
While there is limited research on the phenomenon of emotional flooding, a few studies have investigated potential coping strategies. For example, a study by Lilienfeld et al. (2015) found that cognitive reappraisal, a method of reframing negative thoughts into more positive ones, was effective at reducing the intensity of the emotions associated with emotional flooding. Additionally, a study by Lee and Park (2017) found that mindfulness-based strategies, such as meditation and yoga, were effective at reducing the intensity of emotional flooding.
Conclusion
In conclusion, emotional flooding is a phenomenon in which a person is overwhelmed by intense emotion. This phenomenon can be caused by a range of environmental and internal factors. When a person is emotionally flooded, they may experience a range of physical and psychological symptoms, such as difficulty concentrating and feeling overwhelmed. There are various coping strategies that can be used to manage the intense emotions associated with emotional flooding, such as deep breathing, cognitive reappraisal, and mindfulness-based strategies. Although further research is needed to understand this phenomenon, current research suggests that these strategies may be effective in reducing the intensity of emotional flooding.
References
Lee, J., & Park, S. (2017). Effect of mindfulness-based intervention on emotional flooding: A randomized controlled trial. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, 46(3), 176-185.
Lilienfeld, S. O., Lynn, S. J., Ruscio, J., & Beyerstein, B. L. (2015). The scientific status of projectivism: A review and meta-analysis. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 6(2), 35-71.