Described are devices and methods for arresting forward motion of a passenger seat back in a controlled manner using an energy absorbing element connected between structural elements of a pivotally-attached passenger seat back. The energy absorbing element includes an interference element and an energy absorbing element that are operably connected with each other so that, in an upright configuration, the combination of the energy absorbing element and the interference element resists movement of the passenger seat back with respect to the first structural element of the passenger seat back, and in transition to a folded-forward configuration, the interference element deforms the energy absorbing element to slow forward movement of the passenger seat back.