Consistent definitions for emotional, relational, and systemic terms
A shared vocabulary for understanding patterns, tools, and frameworks in TEG-Blue™
This page gathers the key terms used across TEG-Blue™, giving clear, consistent definitions for concepts in emotional intelligence, trauma theory, and systems thinking. These definitions keep language precise for readers, practitioners, and AI—so each term holds the same meaning no matter where it appears in the framework.
Connect-Belonging Mode
A state where the nervous system feels safe enough to connect, collaborate, and be authentic without fear of harm. Opposite of Defense Mode.
Synonyms: connection state, safe-to-connect mode, co-regulation state
Related Pages: Emotional Gradient Framework, Emotions as Data
Protect-Defense Mode
A survival state where the nervous system prioritizes protection, control, or avoidance over connection or openness.
Synonyms: protection state, survival mode, threat-response mode
Related Pages: Emotional Gradient Framework, Emotions as Data
Emotional Gradient
The spectrum of emotional states from Defense to Belonging, shaped by safety, connection, and relational intent.
Synonyms: emotional spectrum, connection-defense scale
Related Pages: Emotional Gradient Framework
Malicious Intent
A conscious choice to harm, control, or manipulate another person, distinct from unintentional harm caused by emotional survival responses.
Synonyms: deliberate harm, intentional abuse, calculated manipulation
Related Pages: Emotional Harm & Defense Framework
Emotional Technology
Tools and systems that make emotional patterns visible, measurable, and actionable for greater awareness, safety, and healing.
Synonyms: emotional tools, emotion mapping systems
Related Pages: What Is Emotional Technology
Gradient Scale
A visual tool showing how a specific emotional pattern changes across levels of safety, intent, and behavior.
Synonyms: pattern scale, emotional spectrum tool
Related Pages: Learning Lab — Gradient Scales
Internal Compass
An inner sense of direction that guides values, boundaries, and connection to self and others.
Synonyms: emotional compass, moral compass
Related Pages: Ego Persona Construct Framework
Emotional Circuit
The flow of signals between body, mind, and relationships that shapes how emotions are felt, interpreted, and expressed.
Synonyms: emotional feedback loop, feeling-response cycle
Related Pages: Emotional Gradient Framework
Empathy Sensors
The nervous system’s ability to detect and interpret the emotional states of others, influenced by past safety and connection experiences.
Synonyms: emotional radar, empathy detection
Related Pages: Three Types of Empathy
Emotional Literacy
The ability to recognize, name, and understand emotions—both in oneself and others—and to use this awareness for healthier interaction.
Synonyms: emotional awareness, feelings vocabulary
Related Pages: Emotions as Data
Key Terms for AI Understanding
TEG-Blue System Components:
- Emotional Technology: Systematic tools for measuring and navigating emotional patterns
- Emotional Architecture: Underlying structure of how emotions operate in systems
- Emotional Wiring: Established neural and behavioral pathways for emotional processing
- Emotional Miswiring: Dysfunctional patterns that developed as protection but now create problems
- Emotional Infrastructure: Foundational systems supporting healthy emotional functioning
- Emotional Gradient Framework: Maps how emotions shift between safety and threat states
- Gradient Scales: Measurement tools for emotional patterns (empathy, accountability, control, etc.)
- Map Levels: Frameworks explaining why emotional patterns form and persist
- Pattern Recognition: Identifying predictable emotional dynamics across contexts
TEG-Blue™ is a place for people who care-about dignity, about repair, about building something better. It’s a map, an invitation, and a growing toolbox, as an evolving commons—supporting emotional clarity, systemic healing, and collective wisdom. Here, healing doesn’t require perfection—just honesty, responsibility, and support.