Affect (psychology)
Overview
Affect, in psychology, refers to the experience of feeling or emotion. It is a key part of the process of an organism's interaction with stimuli. The word also refers sometimes to affect display, which is "a facial, vocal, or gestural behavior that serves as an indicator of affect" (APA 2006).
Theoretical Background
The range of observable affects varies from intense expressions of emotion to complete lack of emotional expression. Theories of affect consider these variations and seek to explain the mechanisms behind the experience and display of emotion.
James-Lange Theory
The James-Lange Theory of emotion proposes that our experience of emotion is a result of physiological changes that occur in response to stimuli. According to this theory, we do not cry because we are sad, but rather, we feel sadness as a result of crying.
Cannon-Bard Theory
The Cannon-Bard Theory, on the other hand, proposes that physiological arousal and emotional experience occur simultaneously, yet independently. This theory suggests that both the physiological changes and subjective experience of emotion are the result of the brain's interpretation of a particular stimulus.
Two-Factor Theory
The Two-Factor Theory of emotion, also known as Schachter-Singer theory, suggests that the experience of emotion is determined by two factors: physiological arousal and cognitive interpretation. According to this theory, both factors must be present for emotion to occur.
Types of Affect
Affect can be categorized in several ways, including by valence, intensity, duration, and source.
Positive and Negative Affect
Positive affect refers to the extent to which an individual subjectively experiences positive moods such as joy, interest, and alertness. Negative affect, on the other hand, characterizes negative emotions and poor self-concept. Negative affect states include feelings of anger, contempt, disgust, guilt, fear, and nervousness.
Flat and Blunted Affect
Flat affect, also known as affective flattening, is the reduction or absence of emotional expressiveness. Blunted affect is a similar concept, referring to a significant reduction in the intensity of emotional expression.
Labile Affect
Labile affect, or emotional lability, refers to rapid, often exaggerated changes in mood, where strong emotions or feelings (uncontrollable laughing or crying, or heightened irritability or temper) occur.
Affect in Clinical Psychology
In the field of clinical psychology, affect is a key concept in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders.
Affect in Mood Disorders
In mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder, abnormal affect is often observed. Individuals with these disorders may exhibit flat, blunted, or labile affect.
Affect in Schizophrenia
In schizophrenia, flat or blunted affect is one of the most common symptoms. This lack of emotional expressiveness can significantly impact an individual's social functioning.
Affect in Autism
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder often exhibit atypical affect, which can include flat or blunted affect, as well as labile affect.