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From DBT Skills Training Handouts and Worksheets, Second Edition  by Marsha M. Linehan. Copyright 2015 by Marsha M. Linehan. Permission 
to photocopy this handout is granted to purchasers of this book for personal use only (see copyright page for details).General Handout 5   (p. 1 of 2)
Biosocial Theory
Why do i have so much trouble controlling  
my emotions and my actions?
emotional vulnerability is B iolo Gical :  
it’s simply how some people are born.
They are more sensitive  to emotional stimuli; they can detect subtle 
emotional information in the environment that others don’t even notice.
They experience emotions much more often  than others.
Their emotions seem to hit for no reason, from out of the blue.
They have more intense  emotions.
Their emotions hit like a ton of bricks .
And their emotions are long-  lasting .
impulsivity also has a B iolo Gical  basis:  
regulating action is harder for some than for others.
They find it very hard to restrain impulsive behaviors.
Often, without thinking, they do things that get them in trouble.
Sometimes their behavior  seems to  come out of nowhere.
They find it very hard to be effective .
Their moods get in the way of organizing  to achieve their goals.
They cannot control  behaviors linked to their moods.
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