Common Triggers
- →Unexpected news (e.g., winning the lottery)
- →Sudden changes in plans or circumstances
- →Miraculous events
- →Encountering bizarre or peculiar situations
- →Discovering new and surprising information
- →Witnessing accidents or coincidences
Physical Sensations
- •Racing heart
- •Wide eyes
- •Raised eyebrows
- •Dropped jaw
- •Frozen posture
- •Increased alertness
Plutchik's Emotion Wheel
surprise
orientation / attention
Working with This Emotion
Recognize
Disbelief can be recognized by physical sensations like a sudden jolt, wide eyes, and an open mouth. Facial expressions often include raised eyebrows and a dropped jaw. Behaviorally, you might pause or freeze in response to the unexpected event. Associated words from the NRC lexicon include 'amazed', 'astonished', and 'dumbfounded'.
Understand
Common causes of disbelief include sudden and unexpected events, such as accidents, coincidences, or miraculous occurrences. It can also arise when you encounter information that contradicts your existing beliefs or expectations.
Label
To label disbelief precisely, focus on the specific feeling of being unable to accept something as true. Distinguish it from similar emotions like surprise (which is more about unexpected events) and confusion (which involves a lack of clarity). Disbelief often comes with a sense of hesitation and a need for further processing.
Express
Healthy ways to express disbelief include asking questions, seeking clarification, or sharing your feelings with someone you trust. You can also use creative outlets like writing or art to process the emotion. It’s important to acknowledge your disbelief rather than suppressing it.
Regulate
Strategies to regulate disbelief include deep breathing exercises, mindfulness practices, and grounding techniques. Engage in activities that help you feel more centered and calm. If the disbelief is intense, consider talking to a therapist or counselor for support.
Co-occurring Emotions
Emotions that frequently appear alongside disbelief, based on the NRC Emotion Lexicon.
Associated Words
Words associated with disbelief from the NRC Emotion Lexicon.
Using Inner
In Inner, track patterns of disbelief by noting when and where it arises. Pay attention to physical sensations like a racing heart or wide eyes. Use the app’s journaling prompts to explore what triggers your disbelief and how it affects your thoughts and actions. Practice regulation strategies like deep breathing or grounding techniques to manage the intensity of this emotion.
Try Inner for FreeSources & References
- —RULER Framework (Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence)
- —Plutchik's Wheel of Emotions
- —Geneva Emotion Wheel
- —Lisa Feldman Barrett - How Emotions Are Made
Related Content
Unbelief
A complex emotion combining surprise and disgust.
Bewilderment
A feeling of being perplexed and confused.
Denial
Refusing to accept reality or facts, acting as if a painful event or thought does not exist.
Projection
Attributing one's own unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or motives to another person.