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Strength skills

 A note to parents
2. Recognizing emotional highjacking
go to Strength lesson 1You are at Strength lesson 2Go to Strength lesson 3

Key ideas
1. Strong emotions can stop us from thinking.
2. Strong emotions can cause us to make mistakes.

Activity
Human emotions are aroused in the limbic system in the brain, especially in a structure called the amygdala. Other parts of the brain, primarily the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, can moderate this arousal. If these executive functions of the brain do not perform this function, the emotional part of the brain can spin out of control. The result is unmanageable rage or panic. This emotional tailspin and resulting mindlessness is emotional highjacking. This loss of thought can place the actor in grave danger. If we cannot think, we cannot act effectively.

The executive parts of the brain begin to develop during preschool. For example, children may gradually learn to control their frustration instead of having temper tantrums. By the time they are 10 years old, children should have a sufficiently healthy executive brain function to intervene during emotional arousal. Of course, this capacity is something that all of us, no matter the age, struggle to achieve.

How is the ability to prevent emotional highjacking learned? An adequate answer to that important question is beyond the scope of this website. Young children must experience the protection and support of loved ones who help them with kindness and patience to think during emotional moments. As they grow older they can be challenged to think about their thinking and feeling. The prefrontal cortex and hippocampus have to be used outside of emotional circumstances to grow strong enough to be effective when a person is faced with danger, risk, and sacrifice.

Ask children if they know what the word "highjacking" means. Look it up in the dictionary. Then introduce and explain the phrase emotional highjacking. Talk about how difficult it is to think when we have strong feelings. Ask children if they can think of examples of this difficulty. Most importantly, ask them to explain why this can be a problem. What can happen when you feel strong emotions and stop thinking? Talk with them about reckless and foolish behavior.

Apply this learning to their understanding of heroic behavior. Are heroes "smart with their heart?"

Do you have a question, comment, or suggestion for this lesson? Go to the author contact page.
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maphttp://www.ksu.edu/wwparent/programs/hero/hero-strength-2.htm--Revised June 15, 2005
Copyright © 1996-2005 Charles A. Smith. All rights reserved.