The Dynamics of Emotional Regulation in Aversive Social Interactions: A Review of the Rationalization Trap and the Impact of Affect Labeling.

Abstract

This theoretical review explores the intricate dynamics of emotional regulation within social interactions, specifically focusing on aversive contexts where social threats necessitate regulatory intervention. Drawing on the Dual-Process Model and Pessoa's integrative neurobiological framework, the article examines how the brain negotiates between the "impulsive system" and the "reflective system." While classical literature promotes affect labeling as an effective implicit regulator that dampens physiological arousal, recent findings suggest a potential paradoxical effect: emotional crystallization. It is hypothesized that this process can transform fluid emotional experiences into rigid categories, potentially increasing cognitive load and hindering social flexibility. By integrating Bourdieu's Habitus with neuro-sociological insights, the review proposes a shift toward "Plural Rationality." It concludes that successful social regulation may require maintaining "cognitive fluidity" rather than mere linguistic categorization, ensuring that rationalization serves as a tool for cooperation rather than a shackle that fossilizes emotional responses.