Emotional Outbursts Explained: What’s Really Going On?

The Science Behind Meltdowns

When a child experiences intense emotions like fear, frustration, or anxiety, their brain’s emotional centre, the amygdala, can take over, making it hard for them to think clearly or stay in control. This triggers the brain’s natural “fight, flight, or freeze” response, temporarily shutting down the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for reasoning and self-regulation. As a result, the child may become overwhelmed and react with strong behaviours such as crying, yelling, or physical outbursts.

When to Seek a Behaviour or Emotional Assessment

Not all emotional outbursts are cause for concern as every child experiences frustration sometimes. However, when these outbursts become frequent, intense, or interfere with everyday life, relationships, or school, it may be time to consider a professional behaviour or emotional assessment. A child psychologist can help identify if underlying difficulties are contributing to your child’s reactions. Early assessment is important because it helps uncover the root causes and guides effective, tailored intervention.

How Underlying Needs Drive Big Reactions

Emotional outbursts are often a child’s way of communicating unmet needs or overwhelming internal experiences that they cannot yet put into words. Children may find it challenging to communicate their feelings verbally, especially if they have limited emotional vocabulary and difficulty recognising and articulating their feelings. For example, a child with sensory sensitivities might react strongly to loud noises or crowded spaces. Understanding these needs allows parents and professionals to respond effectively with targeted strategies.

Intervention Tools That Address the Root Cause

Effective emotional intervention goes beyond managing the surface behaviours, it targets the underlying drivers of distress. Child psychologists use behaviour assessments to design personalised support plans that may include:

● Teaching emotional literacy: Helping children identify and label their feelings empowers them to communicate their needs before emotions overwhelm them.

● Sensory integration strategies: For children sensitive to sensory input, modifying the environment or using calming tools can reduce triggers.

● Cognitive-behavioural techniques: These help children develop coping skills, challenge anxious thoughts, and build resilience.

● Parent and teacher collaboration: Consistent support across home and school environments ensures children feel understood and safe.

Supporting a child through emotional outbursts starts with understanding what is really going on beneath the surface. With guidance from a child psychologist and a tailored intervention plan, families can help children build the skills they need to regulate emotions, strengthen communication, and thrive over time.

References:

Carter, A. S., Briggs-Gowan, M. J., & Davis, N. O. (2004). Assessment of young children's social-emotional development and psychopathology: Recent advances and recommendations for practice. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 45(1), 109–134.

Greenspan, S. I., & Wieder, S. (2006). Engaging autism: Using the Floortime approach to help children relate, communicate, and think. Da Capo Lifelong Books.

Siegel, D. J., & Bryson, T. P. (2012). The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind. Bantam Books. Tamm, L., & Cole, C. E. (2018). Executive function interventions in children with behavioral disorders: An update. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 47(6), 801-814.