Advanced Emotion Regulation Skills 163LINDA’S EMOTION LOG
Date Event Emotion Coping or Blocking Response
12/18 My brother calls, wants to
know if I’m going to Dad’s
house for Christmas. But I
wasn’t invited.
Hurt, rejected,
angrySaid “No” in a very leave me alone
voice. Changed the subject. Criticized
him for being stupid and still trying to
be part of the family. Told him Dad
doesn’t even like him.12/18 Stuff I said to my brother. Guilty Turned it into anger. Sent my father
an e-mail, telling him he was a jerk
for not inviting me.
12/19 Called my mother, but she
was too busy to talk.
Rejected, angry Thought about what a lousy mother
she was. Sent an e-mail not to bother
“taking time from her busy schedule”
to call me back.12/20 Saw a beautiful castle
in a toy store window.
Remembered the crappy after-
thought Christmas presents I
used to get.
Rejected, sad Got an ice cream and watched all the
“stupid ants” running around, doing
their Christmas shopping, slaves to
the season.12/ 21 Bought my father a leather
briefcase.
Angry, guilty Hoping he opens it at his party and
feels crappy he didn’t invite me. Wrote
a phony note saying “Thanks for
being a great dad,” and apologizing
for my e-mail.12/22 My mother called back. Rejected, angry Very cold to her. Told her I was
busy when she invited me for a pre-
Christmas dinner.