Emotional coherence refers to patterns of synchronized changes involving emotional components. The changes in these components come into effect coherently across our human response channels.
There is a physiological aspect to emotional coherence and how emotions are felt. Positive mental health depends on our understanding of individual emotions, combinations of emotions, and our cognitive and behavioral reactions.
At Avita Integrative Care, we work with our clients at the level where they need the most help. Our team collaborates to offer a specialized fusion of traditional and emerging treatment modalities to those suffering from anxiety-related issues or who might want to build resilience in the face of nervous tension.
What are the “Three Channels of Emotion”?
The three channels of emotion can be experienced physiologically, in the body, subjectively in mind, and expressed in coping behaviors. An example of emotional coherence would be the combination of simultaneous responses that might occur if, for instance, someone witnessed a collision.
In the immediate aftermath, emotional reactions might include fear, disgust, anger, sadness, numbness, denial, a sense of helplessness, and being overwhelmed.
Immediate cognitive responses may include:
- Experiencing the event in what feels like slow motion
- Replaying the accident
- Not being able to recall parts of the traumatic event
Alternatively, the witness might rush to offer assistance.
- Physiological reactions might include elevated heartbeat and blood pressure, faintness, shaking, and feeling jumpy.
- Behavioral responses could be restlessness, avoidance, or withdrawal. One might experience an inability to express oneself, argumentative behavior, or issues around appetite and sleep.
How many emotions are there?
Labeling and detailing our emotions allows us to make sense of them and our response to triggers. When we understand ourselves better, we also become more accepting of other people’s experiences and can empathize more fully with their emotions, which is vital to building healthy relationships.
There are five principal emotions: joy/enjoyment, fear, sadness, anger, and disgust.
These are divided into intensity levels – for instance, joy might be broken into categories such as fulfillment, passion, happiness, admiration, inspiration, bliss, gratitude, ecstasy, excitement, hope, confidence, serenity, and many more.
These emotions help us experience a life filled with happiness, joy, and laughter. Conversely, the necessary “evils” of so-called negative emotions also serve a valuable purpose. Disgust, anger, and fear help prevent us from making risky decisions that might not be in sync with our core values. They also help us react to situations speedily – we might leap out of the way of an oncoming motor vehicle for fear of being injured, or when sad, we might communicate that to others by asking for assistance.
What happens if I ignore my emotions?
Circumventing emotions is problematic in that it can ultimately result in problems such as depression and anxiety, sleeplessness, and autoimmune, intestinal and coronary issues, not to mention physiological problems. Acknowledging and embracing the emotions we feel allows us to regulate them better.
Behavioral consistency and personality coherence
Behavioral consistency or coherence determines personality. In other words, personality is based on behaviors that are displayed regularly. Personality consistency implies that a person consistently displays a specific behavioral trait in various circumstances.
The person might, for instance, be outgoing and chatty both in a social situation and in the workplace – cross-situational consistency. Meanwhile, temporal consistency means the behavior is evident over a lengthy period.
Personality coherence is the constancy or uniformity of the attitude, behaviors, personality traits, and overall self-image portrayed in a range of situations over some time. For instance, a person may display poor confidence, be indecisive, unassertive and mousey in their dealings with others, whether at work or home.
What is “Sense of Coherence”?
Sense of coherence refers to the temperament that facilitates resilience to stressful triggers.
Three factors lend themselves to a sense of coherence:
- Comprehensibility – sees an individual coping better with complex scenarios because they have a cognitive understanding of what is affecting their circumstances.
- Manageability – allows the individual to see that they have the internal reserves and whatever external resources are needed to weather their circumstances and meet their needs.
- Meaningfulness – refers to the motivational force which drives the person to continue in difficult situations. If they realize problems are challenges rather than insurmountable obstacles, they will be more likely to press on in challenging circumstances.
Those with ample sense of coherence anticipate and amass the necessary resources to cope with challenging situations. They can also adapt their perception of their circumstances and press on despite problematic issues.
Psychological Services Available in New Jersey
If you feel overwhelmed, contact Avita Integrative Care: our extensive offering includes psychotherapy, mediation counseling, psychiatry, relational training, biofeedback, peak performance coaching, and wellness consulting.
We can help you or a loved one deal with anxiety, depression, family issues, addiction, personality disorders, interpersonal difficulties, and work-related stress. Our experts are highly qualified in their respective spheres and able to create a dedicated program to help you achieve the best treatment outcome possible.
Our interdisciplinary team goes above and beyond to foster a safe environment and confidential scientifically-supported, clinically-proven treatment plans for your needs. Whether it is a clinical psychologist, psycho-physiologist, social worker, or family mediator you need, they are all on hand and ready to integrate the most up-to-date technological advances into their patients’ mental health, psychiatric care, and nutritional/wellness plans.
Clients with mild to severe mental health needs also enjoy increased provider availability, improved communication between care providers, and lower overall health costs.
To find out more about Avita Integrative Care, call 1-888-242-2732.