Temperimise

Temperimise is a coined term used in contemporary discussions of psychology and performance science to describe the deliberate regulation of emotional and cognitive responses to improve decision quality and performance under stress. The word blends temper, to moderate or soften, with optimise, to maximize effectiveness, and is typically used in professional or academic contexts rather than everyday language.

Definition and scope: As a concept, temperimise denotes the ongoing practice of calibrating affective arousal and cognitive biases so that actions align with goals rather than impulses. In various sources, it includes strategies such as cognitive reappraisal, mindful awareness, paced breathing, and situation assessment applied in real time to maintain composure and clarity without erasing essential emotional information.

Applications: In business and leadership, temperimise is described as a discipline that helps negotiators, managers, and teams communicate more effectively under pressure. In sports, arts, and high-stakes fields, practitioners frame temperimise as maintaining focus and resilience across stressors while sustaining creativity and empathy. In technology and crisis management, temperimise may refer to structured routines that stabilize responses during incidents.

Limitations and critique: The term is not universally recognized in formal psychology, and empirical support is uneven. Critics caution that excessive emphasis on regulation can dull legitimate emotions, mask burnout, or overlook systemic causes of stress. Cultural norms around emotional expression can influence how temperimise is interpreted or implemented.

See also: emotional regulation, cognitive reappraisal, stress management, flow, performance psychology.