Emotion Blueprint Worksheet
Emotion Blueprint
Phase 01: The 3-Component Model
Architect:
Sadness is a functional signal. The 3-Component Model maps how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact to form a cycle. Map your current experience to find an entry point for change.
Sadness: Myth vs. Fact
Sadness = weakness
M F
Sadness signals a loss
M F
Happiness should be constant
M F
Sadness lasts forever
M F
The Triangle of Experience
1. Thoughts
What was your brain saying?
2. Feelings
Sensations & Emotions
3. Behaviors
Actions / Withdrawal
Reflection:
How did your behaviors influence your feelings today?
Emotion Blueprint Phase 01 — Analysis Complete
Thought Lab Worksheet
Part 02: Reconstruction
Thought Lab
Lead Architect:
Lab Objective
Put an "Automatic Negative Thought" (ANT) from Phase 01 under the microscope. Test it for structural flaws and rebuild it into a Balanced Thought.
Phase 01 Review
- • Thoughts fuel Feelings
- • Sadness signals loss
- • Cycle is breakable
01. The Trigger
Objective Facts
Example: A text was left on read.
02. The ANT
Extreme Thoughts
Example: I'm being ignored on purpose.
Evidence FOR the ANT
Evidence AGAINST the ANT
03. The Reconstruction (Balanced Thought)
Peer Test
If a friend had this exact same ANT, how would you help them see the truth?
Thought Lab Phase 02 — Reconstruction Complete
Architect Guide Teacher Resource
Teacher Resource
Architect Guide
Facilitation notes for "Sadness Decoded" worksheets.
Instructional Goals
-
De-stigmatize: Shift perspective from sadness as "weakness" to sadness as a "functional signal."
-
Mechanism: Map the 3-component cycle (Thoughts, Feelings, Behaviors).
-
Restructuring: Provide tools to challenge Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTs).
Key Terms
CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
ANT (Automatic Negative Thought)
Balanced Thought
The 3-Component Model
Facilitation Strategies
1. Blueprint Analysis
Use the Emotion Blueprint Worksheet to help students externalize their experience. High schoolers often feel pressure to be "fine"—validating sadness as a functional signal (Fact #2) is key to engagement.
2. The Reconstruction
Transition to the Thought Lab Worksheet. Emphasize that "Balanced Thoughts" aren't positive thinking; they are fact-based thinking. This distinction is crucial for skeptical high school audiences.
KEY & EXAMPLES
Myth Busting Key
- 1. "Weakness" -> MYTH
- 2. "Useful Signal" -> FACT
- 3. "Push Through/Stay Productive" -> MYTH
Balanced Thought Example
"Even though I failed this test (Evidence For), I did well on the last three and I was sick this week (Evidence Against). This doesn't mean I'm a failure; it means I had a bad week and need to study differently next time (Balanced Thought)."
Safety Note
Ensure students know the difference between common sadness and clinical depression. If a student reveals self-harm or persistent hopelessness, follow school protocol for mental health referrals immediately.
