Emotional Action Plan

Worksheet Description

The “Emotional Action Plan” worksheet is a therapeutic resource rooted in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), aimed at helping students understand and manage their negative emotions. The worksheet educates students on the concept that actions can influence emotions; engaging in positive behaviors can lead to positive emotions, while negative actions may reinforce negative feelings. Students are prompted to identify common negative emotions such as sadness, anger, fear, frustration, shame, worthlessness, and betrayal, and to articulate their typical reactions to these feelings.

The worksheet then guides students to consider alternative, constructive actions they can take in response to these emotions. By contrasting what they usually do with what they can do instead, the worksheet encourages self-reflection and the development of healthier coping mechanisms. The focus is on empowering students to make proactive choices that align with desired emotional outcomes, rather than reactive behaviors that may perpetuate a negative state of mind. This tool not only serves to enhance emotional regulation skills but also promotes a deeper understanding of the link between one’s actions and emotions, an essential insight for personal development and wellbeing.