~ The Research Behind Arrowz ~

Arrowz is a tool that guides users through structured emotional processing, helping them identify the cause of their emotions with objective labeling. This practice is supported by research in cognitive neuroscience and psychology, showing that objective emotional labeling reduces emotional reactivity and enhances logical thinking.

By combining symbolic representation and CBT-based emotional granularity, Arrowz enables users to process emotions with greater clarity and control.

Study Findings:
  • Objective Labeling (e.g. "The stranger yelled at me")
    •  Emotional reactivity (lower amygdala activity)
      •  Logical processing (increased rVLPFC activation)
      •  Extraneous cognitive load (simplified processing)
      • Germane load (enhanced learning & knowledge organization)
       
    • - VERSUS -
    • Subjective Labeling (e.g., “The stranger made me angry.”)
      • Emotional reactivity (amplified emotional intensity)
      •  Cognitive processing and emotional clarity
      • Cognitive strain (less effective regulation)
    Why Arrowz Works

    Without structure, emotional journaling often defaults to subjective labeling, which can intensify emotional distress and hinder decision-making. Arrowz interrupts this pattern by:

    • Guiding users to label the cause of emotion, not just the feeling
    • Using symbol dictionaries to standardize emotional interpretation
    • Lowering mental strain and improving emotional insight
    • Empowering users to make calmer, more thoughtful decisions
    Neuroscience + CBT = Better Regulation

    Arrowz integrates principles from:

    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – to reframe thoughts and clarify emotions
    • Emotion Regulation Science – to reduce amygdala activity and strengthen the prefrontal cortex
    • Cognitive Load Theory – to ease mental strain and build lasting emotional intelligence

    These principles allow users to process emotions with more precision, resilience, and clarity.

    Scientific Support

    Studies show that structured emotional labeling:

    • Activates the rVLPFC, supporting self-control and focus
    • Suppresses amygdala reactivity, reducing overwhelm
    • Builds emotional schemas that promote long-term regulation

    By embedding structured emotional labeling into its core design, Arrowz helps users:

    • Reduce emotional instability
    • Make clearer, more rational decisions
    • Improve long-term emotional intelligence
    • Create a habit of emotional precision and reflection
    Bibliography :
    1. Lieberman, M. D., Eisenberger, N. I., Crockett, M. J., Tom, S. M., Pfeifer, J. H., & Way, B. M. (2007). Putting feelings into words: Affect labeling disrupts amygdala activity in response to affective stimuli. Psychological Science, 18(5), 421–428. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17576282/
    2. Torre, J. B., & Lieberman, M. D. (2018). Putting feelings into words: Affect labeling as implicit emotion regulation. Emotion Review, 10(2), 116–124. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1754073917742706
    3. Plass, J. L., Moreno, R., & Brünken, R. (Eds.). (2010). Cognitive Load Theory. Cambridge University Press. https://www.b-radlab.com/uploads/1/4/2/0/142020983/plass_2019.pdf
    4. Barrett, L. F., & Satpute, A. B. (2013). Large-scale brain networks in affective and social neuroscience: Toward an integrative functional architecture of the brain. Current Opinion in Neurobiology, 23(3), 361–372. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3970015/
    5. Barrett, L. F. (2004). Feelings or words? Understanding the content in self-report ratings of experienced emotion. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 87(2), 266–281. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.87.2.266
    6. Barrett, L. F., Gross, J. J., Conner, T. B., & Benvenuto, M. (2001). Knowing what you’re feeling and knowing what to do about it: Mapping the relation between emotion differentiation and emotion regulation. Cognition & Emotion, 15(6), 713–724. https://doi.org/10.1080/02699930143000239
    7. Beck, A. T. (1976). Cognitive therapy and the emotional disorders. International Universities Press.
    8. Berking, M., & Whitley, B. (2014). Affect regulation training: A practitioner’s guide to adaptive emotion regulation. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-8603-9
    9. Burns, D. D. (1980). Feeling good: The new mood therapy. HarperCollins.
    10. Ellis, A. (1994). Reason and emotion in psychotherapy: A comprehensive method of treating human disturbances. Citadel Press.
    11. Gross, J. J. (1998). The emerging field of emotion regulation: An integrative review. Review of General Psychology, 2(3), 271–299. https://doi.org/10.1037/1089-2680.2.3.271
    12. Gross, J. J., & Barrett, L. F. (2011). Emotion generation and emotion regulation: One or two depends on your point of view. Emotion Review, 3(1), 8–16. https://doi.org/10.1177/1754073910380974
    13. Kashdan, T. B., Barrett, L. F., & McKnight, P. E. (2015). Unpacking emotion differentiation: Transforming unpleasant experience by perceiving distinctions in negativity. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 24(1), 10–16. https://doi.org/10.1177/0963721414550708
    14. Kircanski, K., Lieberman, M. D., & Craske, M. G. (2012). Feelings into words: Contributions of affect labeling to exposure therapy. Psychological Science, 23(10), 1086–1091. https://doi.org/10.1177/0956797612443830
    15. LeDoux, J. E. (2002). The synaptic self: How our brains become who we are. Viking.
    16. Lieberman, M. D., Inagaki, T. K., Tabibnia, G., & Crockett, M. J. (2011). Subjective responses to emotional stimuli during labeling, reappraisal, and distraction. Emotion, 11(3), 468–480. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0023503
    17. Linehan, M. M. (1993). Cognitive-behavioral treatment of borderline personality disorder. Guilford Press.
    18. Webb, T. L., Miles, E., & Sheeran, P. (2012). Dealing with feeling: A meta-analysis of the effectiveness of strategies derived from the process model of emotion regulation. Psychological Bulletin, 138(4), 775–808. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0027600