Amygdala Hijack
Affect RegulationDefinition
An immediate, overwhelming emotional response disproportionate to the stimulus. The amygdala (emotional processing center) overrides the prefrontal cortex (rational thinking), leading to reactive rather than responsive behavior.
How It Shows Up Internally
Feels like sudden emotional flooding—heart racing, tunnel vision, urge to act immediately. Rational thought feels impossible in the moment. You might later wonder "why did I react so strongly?"
Examples
- 1Sending an angry email immediately after reading something offensive
- 2Freezing in a confrontation instead of thinking clearly
- 3Making an impulsive purchase due to fear of missing out
Related Patterns
Related Terms
Emotional Trigger
A stimulus that reliably produces a strong emotional response. Triggers are often connected to past experiences, identity, values, or psychological vulnerabilities.
Affect Regulation
The process of managing and modifying emotional responses. Affect regulation includes strategies for controlling the intensity, duration, and expression of emotions.