Common Triggers
- →Unexpected loud noises
- →Sudden appearances of objects or people
- →Coincidences and bizarre events
- →New discoveries that are surprising
- →Interruptions during a calm moment
- →Flash of bright light in a dark environment
Physical Sensations
- •Racing heart
- •Widened eyes
- •Tensed muscles
- •Increased breathing rate
- •Sudden jump or jolt
- •Feeling of being frozen in place
Plutchik's Emotion Wheel
surprise
orientation / attention
Working with This Emotion
Recognize
Startlement can be recognized by a sudden jolt in the body, widened eyes, and a racing heart. You might feel bewildered or dumbfounded, with words like 'abrupt,' 'accident,' and 'amazed' coming to mind.
Understand
Common causes of startlement include unexpected noises, sudden appearances, and surprising events. It can also be triggered by coincidences or new discoveries that catch you off guard.
Label
To label startlement precisely, note the suddenness and intensity of the shock. Distinguish it from fear, which is more about perceived threat, and surprise, which can be positive or negative but less intense.
Express
Healthy ways to express startlement include taking a moment to breathe deeply, acknowledging the feeling, and sharing your experience with someone you trust. You can also use grounding techniques like focusing on your surroundings.
Regulate
To regulate startlement, practice mindfulness and deep breathing to calm your nervous system. Engage in activities that help you feel more grounded, such as yoga or a short walk. Reflect on the event and consider what you can learn from it.
Co-occurring Emotions
Emotions that frequently appear alongside startlement, based on the NRC Emotion Lexicon.
Associated Words
Words associated with startlement from the NRC Emotion Lexicon.
Using Inner
Using Inner, you can track patterns of startlement to understand what triggers it and how often. Pay attention to body signals like a racing heart or widened eyes. Journal about the specific events that lead to this emotion and explore healthy ways to express it, such as taking deep breaths or grounding techniques.
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
Surprise
A feeling of mild astonishment caused by something unexpected.
Shock
A sudden upsetting or surprising event or experience.
Alarm
An anxious awareness of danger.
Fright
A sudden intense feeling of fear.
Horror
An intense feeling of fear, shock, or disgust.
Panic
Sudden uncontrollable fear or anxiety.
Attack Dreams
Dreams of being attacked, representing feeling threatened or vulnerable.