What is the risk of naming only the general negative affect instead of specific feelings like frustration or shame?
Answer
There is a risk of applying a generic, less effective coping mechanism to a specific problem.
When emotional labeling lacks precision—that is, when only the general negative affect is recognized—the necessary behavioral output for resolution cannot be accurately determined. If one cannot distinguish between the need to strategize (frustration) and the need for self-compassion (shame), any reaction applied will likely be generalized and ill-suited for the actual source of distress. Developing this specificity through emotional granularity is necessary for crafting an effective, tailored response rather than simply reacting automatically to the broad sensation of feeling 'bad.'
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