Beyond Balance: Introducing HERT+

A New Way to Understand and Regulate Emotions

At MindCare.Quest, we’ve explored the power of emotions and the revolutionary Homeostatic Emotion Regulation Theory (HERT)—a framework that explains why emotions arise and how to regulate them effectively. But emotions are more than just warning signals. They also motivate, reward, and guide us toward what we value most.

 That’s why we’re excited to introduce HERT+, which expands upon the original HERT model by adding a vital missing piece: Hedonic Emotion Regulation Theory. Together, these two systems form a complete emotional framework, helping you understand not just negative emotions that demand action, but also positive emotions that drive fulfillment and motivation. This combined theory – developed by Dr Rudy Wietfeldt over the past two decades - will incorporate an “Emotional Compass” to help explain, simply, how to use your emotions effectively.

 The Two Sides of Emotional Regulation: Homeostatic & Hedonic

 HERT: The Science of Negative Emotions

 The Homeostatic Emotion Regulation Theory (HERT), first introduced here on MindCare.Quest, explains that negative emotions function like a homeostatic system, similar to hunger or thirst. When something is off-balance in your life, Emotions arise as signals with a Message and an Objective:

• Fear signals danger → Objective: Seek safety
• Anger signals an injustice → Objective: Restore fairness
• Guilt signals that you’ve broken your own moral code → Objective: Make amends and recall the involved pain so as to not break your code again.

 When the objective is met, the emotion naturally subsides—just as thirst disappears once you drink enough water. This feedback loop keeps you emotionally aligned with your needs and surroundings.

 But what about the emotions that pull you toward joy, purpose, and meaning? That’s where Hedonic Emotion Regulation Theory comes in.

Hedonic Emotion Regulation: Understanding Positive Emotions

 If HERT explains negative emotions, Hedonic Emotion Regulation Theory (also part of HERT+) explains positive ones. Happiness, excitement, and joy are not just random feel-good experiences—they are part of a system that reinforces behaviors and motivations.

Instead of signaling a problem, hedonic emotions act as dopamine-driven incentives that push you toward actions that benefit you in the long term:

• Joy signals achievement → Reinforces: Pursuing meaningful goals
• Excitement signals opportunity → Reinforces: Exploring new possibilities
• Love signals connection → Reinforces: Strengthening relationships

These emotions drive you toward growth, fulfillment, and long-term well-being. However, just as emotional dysregulation can lead to chronic stress, mismanaged hedonic emotions can create “emotional illusions”—short-term pleasures that feel rewarding but ultimately lead to negative consequences (like addiction, avoidance, or overindulgence).

 Why HERT+ Matters for Your Emotional Mastery

 Understanding both homeostatic and hedonic emotions allows you to:

1. Regulate distressing emotions effectively (so they don’t overwhelm you).
2. Leverage positive emotions to create lasting fulfillment (instead of chasing empty highs).
3. Recognize emotional illusionsthat lead to self-sabotage. 
4. Build a balanced emotional lifewhere you don’t just react—you thrive.

 At MindCare.Quest, our flagship course, Emotion Made Simple (EMS), now fully incorporates HERT+, giving you the tools to regulate negative emotions while maximizing positive ones.

 What’s Next?

Over the coming weeks, we’ll explore how HERT+ can transform emotional intelligence, including:

• How to distinguish between authentic and illusory
• Why dopamine-seeking behavioris often mistaken for happiness.
• How to balance short-term pleasure with long-term fulfillment.
• How negative emotions can be harnessed for growth, not suffering.
• How to use the “Emotional Compass” easily and simply.

 If you’re ready to take control of your emotions—not just to feel better, but to live better—join us on this journey. Sign up below for special offers, bonus material, and unique opportunities.

Start today with Emotion Made Simple and discover the power of HERT+.

And stay tuned, because this is just the beginning.