Table 2 Description of the intervention
Aims | Contents and skills | Methodsa | |
|---|---|---|---|
Session 1 (2 h) | 1) To describe goals of emotional regulation and function of emotions 2) To enhance emotional literacy | • Emotional dysregulation and emotional regulation skills. • Levels of emotion chart • The concept of biological vulnerability • The functions of emotions • Homework: to describe emotional events through the ABC (Antecedents, Beliefs, Consequences) diary. | - Slideshow - Handouts 15.1, 15.3 - Class exercices |
Session 2 (2 h) | 1) To practice with the model of emotions 2) To gain the skills to manage interpretations and impulses to action. | • The model of emotions: emotion is a complex response made up of different components (prompting event, interpretation, biological changes, expressions, and aftereffects). • Emotion are set off by our interpretation, not by the events themselves: the skill “Check the facts” • Emotion have an action urge, by changing behavior, we can change emotion: the skill “Opposite action” • Homework: practice with check the facts and opposite action | - Slideshow - Role-playing - Handouts 16.1-2, 17.2-4 - Class exercises |
Session 3 (2 h) | 1) To improve strategies to solve a problem 2) To learn how to accumulate positive emotions. | • How to solve a problem: the seven steps of problem-solving • Accumulate positive experiences in the short term: the skills “pleasant activities” and “building mastery”. • Accumulate positive experiences in the long term: identifying personal values and plan goals. • Vulnerability factors and the PLEASE skills • Homework: practice with AB Please | - Slideshow - Handouts 18.1, 19.2-5, 20.1-4 - exercises in small groups |
Session 4 (2 h) | 1) To learn how to reduce intense emotion quickly in order to avoid impulsivity | • The autonomic nervous system and the “fight-or-flight” reaction • Activate parasympathetic system by reducing body temperature, using intense exercise, and engaging in paced breathing: the TIPP skills. • Homework: practice with TIPP skills | - Slideshow - Handouts 6.2, 8.1. - Classes exercices. |