Affect vs. Emotion vs. Mood
The terms affect, emotion, and mood are related but distinct concepts in psychology. Here's how they differ:
1. Affect:
Definition: Affect refers to the broad, general experience of feeling or emotional states, often assessed by others through outward expressions (like facial expressions or body language). It’s typically the immediate, observable manifestation of emotion.
Nature: It's often used as an umbrella term to refer to any kind of emotional experience, but it’s also more technical in psychology and psychiatry, often indicating the visible aspect of emotion.
Duration: Can be momentary and short-lived.
Example: A person might show a "flat affect" (lack of visible emotional expression), or an "elevated affect" (showing signs of happiness or excitement).
2. Emotion:
Definition: Emotion refers to more specific, intense experiences that are typically triggered by particular events, situations, or thoughts. It involves both physiological responses (like changes in heart rate) and psychological experiences (like feeling anxious or joyful).
Nature: Emotions are specific, often intense, and short-lived states that are reactive to something external or internal (e.g., fear, anger, joy).
Duration: Typically short-term, lasting seconds to minutes.
Example: Feeling afraid after watching a scary movie, or feeling joy upon receiving good news.
3. Mood:
Definition: A mood is a more prolonged, less intense emotional state compared to an emotion. It is usually not triggered by a specific event, and it influences a person's general outlook or disposition over a longer period.
Nature: Moods are often less specific than emotions, can be pervasive, and tend to be more stable over hours, days, or even longer.
Duration: Moods last longer than emotions, ranging from hours to days or more.
Example: Feeling generally irritable for several days or being in a good mood for an entire afternoon without a specific reason.
Summary:
Affect is the outward expression of emotion.
Emotion is a short-term, specific feeling triggered by events.
Mood is a long-lasting, diffuse emotional state that affects a person’s overall temperament.