In the ATC model, what do "Heat of the Moment Thoughts" represent?

In the ATC (Activating Event, Thoughts, Consequences) model, "Heat of the Moment Thoughts" represent your immediate reactions to an event. These thoughts are often spontaneous and can be heavily influenced by emotions and perceptions at the moment of an activating event. They are not fully processed reflections after the event or structured plans for future actions; rather, they capture the visceral, gut-level responses that occur when someone encounters a situation. These immediate thoughts can significantly impact a person's emotional state and behavior, making them a crucial factor to recognize and manage in resilience training. Understanding these immediate reactions can help individuals learn to curtail negative impacts on their emotions and responses through awareness and cognitive restructuring.