What is emotional expressivity? Emotion is a state of feeling or a mental
reaction to a situation. Expressivity is the amount or style of expressions
that varies among individuals. It also describes characteristics and uncertainty
among groups. Emotional expressivity could be described as trying
to determine the outward display of emotions by individuals and other people. Culture has a big influence on the way people show or do not show emotions, especially in public.
I grew up in a family that expressed many emotions, by my
parents and both extended families. Sometimes it was great to be able to
express thoughts and feelings, and especially to feel loved. Other times it was
hard to deal with the emotions that stemmed from the result of decisions,
especially when it was poor choices that would cause anger. I often sat back
and observed and stayed quiet. I made it a point to not do things that would
create emotions that I did not want to see.
When I got married, that threw in a whole new spin on
expressing emotions. Emotions were often disguised other than when you were
upset. This was not normal to me. It felt wrong. As time marched on, and
changes have taken place over the years, I can see where this lack of emotion
began and still exists today. Thankfully, it is something that my husband and I
have discussed and will continue to work on to achieve what we feel is a
balance of emotions. It is still challenging though, to work through the
difficulties of life that exist with teenagers and young adults. However, as I
have learned and taught our kids, we can learn from others mistakes and do our
best to not repeat what we know we should avoid, and work to be better at
expressing what we think and feel.
What were our families like years ago as they expressed emotions? What are classrooms like with many cultures that express emotions differently? Learning about emotions within other cultures explains more
that I wish I had known long ago. It would be helpful to know that to show
public emotion is wrong for some people, yet welcomed by others. I can look
back and see times when I was emotional at church and people looked at me with
blank stares. Other people that I could relate to more, helped me feel comfortable.
Whatever the situation, it is better for me to learn now than not at all to
help me know more as a teacher. I can be observant and find ways to help all
students feel engaged and willing to participate in lessons, activities, and
provide opportunities for growth.
I like what you have written and I agree with you that we need to be observant and understanding. I also feel that it is interesting that there are so many different kinds of people who show their emotions differently or to a different level of expressivity. I hope that as a teacher I will also be able to help my students feel engaged and so that they are willing to particpate in the lessons and activities.
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