Cognitive Change

Changing how we think about a situation to alter its emotional impact.

Cognitive Change involves altering how we think about a situation to modify its emotional impact. This adaptive strategy helps us manage stress and find new perspectives, often through cognitive reappraisal, perspective-taking, acceptance, or finding meaning. It is rooted in emotion regulation research by James Gross, which emphasizes the importance of antecedent-focused strategies to prevent overwhelming emotions from arising. Every person's use of Cognitive Change has a unique history, often serving as a protective mechanism during challenging times.

Using Inner

Use Inner to track your thoughts and emotions. Notice when you naturally use Cognitive Change and how it affects your mood. Ask yourself: What triggered this thought? How did I reframe it? What new perspective did I gain? Regularly journaling these insights can help build awareness without self-judgment, fostering a deeper understanding of your emotional patterns.

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