The Plot of Our Emotions

Richard and Bernice Lazarus wrote a book in the 1990s on how to make sense of our emotions and suggested every emotion has a “plot.”

Meaning, the emotions we feel are likely unfolding in a sequence that follows a somewhat predictable pattern.

Why this is helpful is if we can step back and perceive anger, anxiety, guilt, love, etc as embedded in a typical plot, we can discern what prompted that specific emotion and predict what will likely happen next.

This ability to step back and observe how an emotional plot is unfolding also gives us the opportunity to change the plot if we choose. Anger does not always need to escalate. Anxiety does not need to become all-consuming. We can write a different emotional plot point. We can change characters. We can even, if we want, just end the play.