Emotion Code Flashcards
Abandonment:
Physical abandonment is being left alone; left behind or deserted (this
is the type of abandonment that we most often see in childhood). Emotional
abandonment is being given up on; withdrew from; emotionally deserted or separated
from; a feeling of being “left behind” in a non-physical form.
Anger
A strong displeasure and belligerence aroused by a real or supposed wrong;
wrath. Anger is often used as a cover-up or form of denial for emotions of hurt or fear
Anxiety
A generalized feeling of uneasiness and foreboding; a fear of the unknown;
fear without a subject (e.g. she feels anxious and fearful all the time for no apparent
reason)
Betrayal
Betrayed is to have your trust broken, to be deserted or hurt by a trusted
one. Betrayal of another is to be unfaithful in guarding or fulfilling a trust; to be disloyal
or violate a confidence, to desert someone who trusts you. Betrayal of the self is to
break integrity; act against oneʼs morals, to abuse the body or soul.
Bitterness
A harsh, disagreeable or cynical attitude. Being angry or resentful because
of hurtful or unfair experiences.
Blaming
Being Blamed is to be held responsible; accused; or held guilty for
something. Blaming another is to hold responsible; accuse; find fault with. Putting
responsibility on someone or something else to avoid taking responsibility. This is a key
emotion in creating a victim mentality and can cause a deterioration of personal power.
Blaming the self is finding fault with oneself, which can lead to feelings of self-abuse,
depression, etc.
Conflict
Internal Conflict is a mental and emotional struggle within the self, arising
from opposing demands or impulses. (e.g. He was feeling conflicted about whether or
not to take the new job) External Conflict is to fight; to disagree or be disagreeable; to
struggle or battle against; to antagonize. Prolonged strife or struggle. (e.g. She and her
ex-husband experience continual conflict about custody of their children).
Confusion
A disoriented feeling; foggy thinking; chaos; lack of distinctness or
clearness; perplexity; bewilderment; a disturbed mental state.
Creative Insecurity
Feeling unsafe or untrusting the self about the creation or
development of anything- relationships, family, health, money, career and/or artistic
endeavors. A feeling of insecurity that arises and blocks the creative process. (e.g.
writerʼs block).
Crying
The (often) involuntary act of expressing a strong emotion; a response to pain
or suffering (emotional or physical). A response to or expression of helplessness. A
physical sensation felt in the throat, chest and/or diaphragm. Often becomes trapped
when one does not allow him/herself to cry (i.e. suppressing this reaction or stuffing it
down).
Defensiveness
A state of resisting attack or protecting oneself; being sensitive to the
threat of criticism or injury to one’s ego; being on guard against real or imagined threats
to one’s person, physical and/or emotional
Depression
A state of being sad, gloomy, low in spirits, dejected. Often a secondary
emotion caused by “anger turned inward” at the self and feelings of shame and guilt,
etc.
Despair
A complete loss of hope; misery; difficult or unable to be helped or comforted.
Discouragement
Feeling a lack of courage, hope or confidence; disheartened,
dispirited. Losing the nerve to try or attempt something.
Disgust
A feeling of loathing; when good taste or moral sense is offended; a strong
aversion. (e.g. She felt disgusted when the killer was acquitted).
Dread:
Fear of something that is about to happen; apprehension as to something in the
future, usually real but sometimes unknown. (e.g. He dreaded going to the high school
reunion and facing the bullies who had tormented him).
Effort Unreceived
When one’s work, achievement, attempts or endeavors are not
accepted or recognized; when one’s best effort is not considered good enough; a feeling
of being unappreciated. Not feeling approved of or validated.
Failure
When one falls short of success or achievement in something expected,
attempted, or desired; (e.g. The failure of a marriage or other relationship, being fired,
bankruptcy, performing poorly in athletics, art, academics, etc.).
Fear
A strongly distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil or pain; the
threat may be real or imagined.
Forlorn
Miserable; sad and lonely by reason of abandonment, desolation or
emptiness; hopeless; forsaken.
Frustration
Exasperation; being stuck or unable to progress; feeling blocked from
causing a change or achieving an objective or goal.
Grief
Intense emotional suffering caused by loss, disaster, misfortune, etc.; an acute
sorrow and deep sadness. A universal reaction to bereavement. Also can be feeling
harassed, vexed or exasperated (e.g. if someone gives you grief).
Guilt:
The feeling of having done wrong or committed an offense. Feeling responsible
for the harmful actions of another (e.g., abuse, parents’ divorce, death, etc.) Often
accompanied by feelings of depression, shame and self-abuse.
Hatred:
To loathe; despise; great dislike or aversion. Often comes as a result of “hurt
love”. Often hatred is of a situation rather than a person (e.g. hatred of anotherʼs
behavior, unjust circumstances, etc.) Self-hatred creates destructive behaviors and
illnesses.
