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Downstream and Knock-On Effects

  • Writer: Deric Hollings
    Deric Hollings
  • Sep 25
  • 5 min read

 

When listening to an electronic dance music (EDM) DJ set from Dark Feel, I heard her play the 2024 track “Downstream (Lazare Remix)” by Makèz and Life on Planets. The song features a vocal hook that states, “Lil’ mama, spend some time with me.”

 

When thinking of the track, I’m reminded of a psychoeducational lesson on Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). For the sake of demonstration, suppose that the vocalist from “Downstream (Lazare Remix)” is rejected after propositioning a potential intimate partner.

 

Here, it’s worth knowing that REBT uses the ABC model to illustrate how when an undesirable Action occurs and one Believes an unhelpful narrative about the event, it’s one’s unfavorable assumption, not the occurrence itself, that causes an unpleasant Consequence.

 

This is known as self-disturbance when occurring in an unhealthy manner (e.g., rage). It’s known as self-distress when occurring in a healthy manner (e.g., disappointment).

 

For example, the vocalist sees a potential intimate partner and says, “Lil’ mama, spend some time with me,” though the woman rejects his proposition (Action). Imagine that he then Believes, “She absolutely shouldn’t have turned me down, and I can’t stand rejection!”

 

When using this unhealthy self-narrative, the vocalist becomes enraged and slaps a drink out of the hand of the would-be intimate partner (Consequence). Now imagine that he instead Believed, “She preferably shouldn’t have turned me down, though I can stand rejection.”

 

When using this healthy self-narrative, the vocalist becomes disappointed and walks away from the would-be intimate partner (Consequence). Either of these outcomes is possible, all dependent upon what one tells oneself.

 

Addressing how people upset themselves with unhelpful attitudes, the ABC model incorporates Disputation of unproductive philosophies of life in order to explore Effective new beliefs. Whereas rigid beliefs cause self-disturbance, flexible beliefs result in an un-disturbed condition.

 

“Downstream (Lazare Remix)” applies here, regardless of whether disturbance or distress occurs, as it concerns downstream effects. These are the consequences or chain reactions which occur later in a process or following an activating event.

 

These effects are noted as the result of an upstream belief, decision, or behavior and can have impacts on various elements which are downstream of it. Such outcomes often begin new Actions about which one uses additional Beliefs that cause more Consequences.

 

For instance, if the vocalist self-disturbed, a downstream effect of slapping a drink out of the hand of the would-be intimate partner may lead to an arrest for assault (Action) with the Belief, “This is awful,” and fear for his future (Consequence). This is meta-disturbance.

 

Also, I consider knock-on effects. These are secondary or indirect consequences of an activating event, like a domino effect. As an example, when walking away from the would-be intimate partner (Action), the vocalist Believes, “I’m resilient,” and he experiences pride (Consequence).

 

Rather than serving as a meta-distressed condition, the latter example relates to an optimal outcome. The important takeaway is that what you tell yourself – whether relating to disturbance, distress, or otherwise – can have secondary, tertiary, quaternary, or other effects.

 

If you’re looking for a provider who tries to work to help you understand how thinking impacts physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral elements of your life, I invite you to reach out today by using the contact widget on my website.

 

As the world’s foremost EDM-influenced REBT psychotherapist—promoting content related to EDM, I’m pleased to try to help people with an assortment of issues from anger (hostility, rage, and aggression) to relational issues, adjustment matters, trauma experience, justice involvement, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and depression, and other mood or personality-related matters. 

 

At Hollings Therapy, LLC, serving all of Texas, I aim to treat clients with dignity and respect while offering a multi-lensed approach to the practice of psychotherapy and life coaching. My mission includes: Prioritizing the cognitive and emotive needs of clients, an overall reduction in client suffering, and supporting sustainable growth for the clients I serve. Rather than simply trying to help you to feel better, I want to try to help you get better!

 

 

Deric Hollings, LPC, LCSW


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References:

Dark Feel. (2025, August 25). Afro house in motion – August live mix 2025 – Dark Feel [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/dibTU9pt_4E?si=JURlU7y3MtbHDHNl

Dark Feel (@DJDarkFeel). (n.d.). Dark Feel [Official YouTube channel]. YouTube. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/@DJDarkFeel

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Songshare. (n.d.). Makèz. Retrieved from https://songshare.com/artist/tls8hvx4

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