Glossary // Glossary term Empirical
Affect labeling
Putting a feeling into words, for example naming an emotional reaction to an image instead of only looking at it. In a neuroimaging study, labeling the emotion in facial expressions was associated with lower amygdala activity and higher activity in right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex than passive viewing or labeling other attributes. The effect is usually described as implicit regulation, because it does not require a deliberate intention to feel differently. Evidence on crying, social sharing of emotion, talking about distressing experiences and affect labelling shows that expression helps through social support, meaning and regulation rather than through discharge itself. Labelling an emotion engages prefrontal regulation and reduces amygdala responses in the laboratory. Precise naming is a low-cost first step that changes the course of an emotion without discharge. The works the definition rests on, with the level of evidence each was appraised at. (2007). Putting feelings into words: Affect labeling disrupts amygdala activity in response to affective stimuli. doi:10.1111/j.1467-9280.2007.01916.x Supports the claim that affect labelling was associated with reduced amygdala response and increased right ventrolateral prefrontal activity. Standardised images, not personal events, and no measure of later recovery.Where the site uses it
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