Affect

Psychological term for an observable expression of emotion

Affect is a concept used in psychology to describe the experience of feeling or emotion. It encompasses a broad range of emotional experiences, including both positive and negative states. Affect is a key component in the study of emotion, mood, and personality.

Types of Affect

Affect can be categorized into different types based on its intensity and duration:

• Mood: A longer-lasting affective state that is less intense than emotions. Moods are not typically directed at a specific object or event.
• Emotion: A more intense and short-lived affective state that is usually directed at a specific object or event.
• Affective disorders: These are disorders characterized by disturbances in affect, such as depression and bipolar disorder.

Components of Affect

Affect is generally considered to have two main components:

• Valence: This refers to the intrinsic attractiveness (positive valence) or averseness (negative valence) of an event, object, or situation.
• Arousal: This refers to the physiological and psychological state of being awoken or stimulated.

Measurement of Affect

Affect can be measured using various methods, including:

• Self-report: Individuals report their own affective states through questionnaires or interviews.
• Behavioral observation: Observers assess affect based on facial expressions, body language, and other observable behaviors.
• Physiological measures: These include heart rate, skin conductance, and brain activity, which can provide indirect measures of affect.

Affect in Different Fields

Affect is studied in various fields within psychology and beyond:

• Clinical psychology: Focuses on affective disorders and their treatment.
• Social psychology: Examines how affect influences social interactions and relationships.
• Cognitive psychology: Investigates how affect interacts with cognitive processes like memory and decision-making.
• Neuroscience: Studies the brain mechanisms underlying affective experiences.

Related Pages

• Emotion
• Mood
• Personality
• Affective disorders
• Depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Self-report
• Behavioral observation
• Physiological measures