This cognitive distortion can cause something to feel acutely real without it having any basis in fact. For instance, intense emotions like jealousy and insecurity can often lead someone to be convinced of their partner's infidelity, despite a lack of any real evidence. This misperception can result in potentially damaging behaviors within a relationship, as personal emotions become mistaken for factual truths.
Emotional reasoning is effective because emotions are powerful and immediate, often overriding rational thought. When individuals experience strong feelings, their brains may prioritize these emotions over analytical processing, leading to conclusions that align with their current emotional state. This can create a feedback loop where negative emotions reinforce negative beliefs, making it challenging to view situations objectively.
In persuasive communication, emotional reasoning can be exploited by presenting information that triggers strong emotional responses, leading the audience to accept claims without critical analysis. For instance, certain media outlets might repeatedly broadcast images of large “caravans” of migrants approaching the border, suggesting an imminent threat of the country being overrun. This portrayal can evoke fear and anxiety, prompting the public to support extreme measures, such as using lethal force against migrants, based on immediate emotional reactions rather than a rational evaluation of the actual threat to national security.
