Affect Quote by Suzette Boon
““Alterations in regulation of affect (emotion) and impulse: Almost all people who are seriously traumatized have problems in tolerating and regulating their emotions and surges or impulses. However, those with complex PTSD and dissociative disorders tend to have more difficulties than those with PTSD because disruptions in early development have inhibited their ability to regulate themselves. The fact that you have a dissociative organization of your personality makes you highly vulnerable to rapid and unexpected changes in emotions and sudden impulses. Various parts of the personality intrude on each other either through passive influence or switching when your under stress, resulting in dysregulation. Merely having an emotion, such as anger, may evoke other parts of you to feel fear or shame, and to engage in impulsive behaviors to stop avoid the feelings.””
About This Quote
Source Article: Complex PTSD and Dissociative Disorders, Clinical Psychology Review, 2021
Trauma disrupts emotional regulation, especially in complex PTSD where fragmented personality parts cause sudden mood shifts and impulsive actions.
In simple terms: Trauma makes emotions hard to control, especially with multiple personality parts.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and integrate fragmented parts to improve regulation.
Themes
trauma
emotional regulation
dissociation
impulse control
Mood
anxious
hopeful
Type
clinical
educational
When to use this quote
- therapy sessions
- stressful workday
- relationship conflict
- self‑reflection practice
Key Concepts
complex PTSD
fragmented self
early development disruption
Questions to Reflect On
- How do different personality parts influence your reactions?
- What strategies help you stay grounded during sudden emotional spikes?
A Different Perspective
Regulation may still be limited by deep‑seated neural pathways.
