Amygdala Hijack
Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-28
CORE DEFINITION
An amygdala hijack refers to an immediate and overwhelming emotional response that is disproportionate to the actual stimulus because it has triggered a more significant perceived threat. The term was coined by Daniel Goleman in his 1996 book Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ, and is recognized as a formal academic term within affective neuroscience. The brain consists of two
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
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An amygdala hijack refers to an immediate and overwhelming emotional response that is disproportionate to the actual stimulus because it has triggered a more significant perceived threat. The term was
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The emotional brain (amygdala) bypasses the rational brain (prefrontal cortex) and directly takes over the response under threat, causing instantaneous emotional action without thought.
MINIMUM ACTION
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Source support: Explicit
- en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amygdala_hijackverified
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