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An emotional hangover refers to the lingering emotional effects that can occur after experiencing a highly emotional event or situation due to cognitive dissonance and emotional processing. Emotion can induce physiological brain changes that persist.[1][2]
Emotional hangovers reflect a prolonged state of emotional exhaustion and distress that follows an intense emotional experience, such as a traumatic event or a stressful conversation, that may last for hours or days. They can also arise following intense emotional experiences such as a moving movie or a large financial purchase.[3] These feeling may include exhaustion, sadness, anxiety, or even numbness, and can last for hours or even days after the event has passed.
Though the underlying mechanics are unclear, an emotional hangover is thought to be due to the body's response to stress, as well as the cognitive effort required to process and reconcile the emotional experience with one's existing beliefs and values. This can lead to feelings of overwhelm, confusion, and even physical symptoms such as fatigue or headaches.[4][5]
Emotional hangovers highlight the nexus between cognitive and emotional processes.
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Tambini, Arielle; Rimmele, Ulrike; Phelps, Elizabeth A; Davachi, Lila (February 2017). "Emotional brain states carry over and enhance future memory formation". Nature Neuroscience. 20 (2): 271–278. doi:10.1038/nn.4468. PMID 28024158.
- ^ "Is There Such a Thing as an Emotional Hangover? NYU Researchers Find that There is". New York University. Dec 31, 2016. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
- ^ Pattemore, Chantelle (4 October 2023). "Feeling fatigued and fuzzy-headed? It could be an 'emotional hangover'". Women's Health. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
- ^ Medaris, Anna (21 July 2024). "Feeling drained from the night before? It could be an emotional hangover". Vox. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
- ^ Kelly, Sarah-Louise (8 October 2023). "This Is What An Emotional Hangover Feels Like". HuffPost UK. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
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