Types of affect in psychology

In everyday life we ​​can see many demonstrations of affection. It is not only about a kiss, an arm or a caress, but about the love and attachment we feel for a loved one, a pet or something special. But did you know that there are different types of affection?

On the other hand, although affection is usually a positive feeling, sometimes its manifestations are not the most appropriate and They can even be the indicator of some possible inner imbalance, since affection can also be associated with feelings. negatives. So that you can expand more on this fascinating topic, in this Psychology-Online article you will discover, in addition to its definition, the different types of affect in psychology.

Index

1. What is affect in psychology
2. Positive and negative types of affect
3. The broad affection
4. positive affect
5. neutral affect
6. Limited or restricted affection
7. the blunted affection
8. negative affect
9. flat affect
10. The labile affection
11. Conclusions

Affection is a manifestation that arises from the sensation of liking someone or something. That is, affection is shown or expressed by feel harmony and happiness in the face of an external stimulus. Etymologically, the word affection comes from the Latin affectsus, which translates as "passions of the mind" or "the state of the soul".

For psychology, affect is a relational character element, in which people experience emotions of affection or union towards something or someone. In other words, it refers to the susceptibility that someone has to the alterations they perceive in the world, be it real or symbolic.

Therefore, affection does not derive from oneself, but from the interrelationship that exists with an external entity, either with someone or with something. Likewise, affection can be temporary or permanent, unlike the emotions that are inherent to the human being. Therefore, the emotions will accompany him for the rest of his life.

You should know that within this classification, there are types of positive and negative affect. The latter occurs, above all, when it is linked to emotions such as jealousy, fear or dissatisfaction. In addition, it is important to have a good self-concept and healthy self-esteem in order to develop affection in a balanced and safe way.

That this type of affection is negative does not mean that it always manifests itself in a violent or toxic way. It can be said that the positive and negative types of affect are just as lawful and valid; therefore, the examples of manifestation of this type of affection can protect the person if he knows how to act against them; They are distrust, discomfort or anger.

This type of affection is associated with psychologically stable people. In fact, it is an affection that can be manifested by any individual through a wide variety of actions and emotions such as happiness and the sadness inclusive.

Psychologist Silvan Tomkins posits that positive affect is one that occurs as an expression of success and urge to share. In general, this type of positive affect is expressed with a smile, with the need for closeness and with the motivation for interaction.

this kind of affection manifests itself when startled or surprised and tends to produce a feeling of bewilderment, which can be channeled with some voluntary actions. Some examples of this type of affection are: hugging, kissing or even acting impulsively.

This is one of the types of affects in psychology in which the person has a limited range of affections which can show. An example of limited affect is talking about or watching something that causes excitement, but no visible emotion is displayed, such as opening one's eyes or cracking a smile.

It's about a severe case of restricted affect. In fact, already in this case the reactions to emotions are almost absent. An example of clear blunted affection is when a person receives the news of the death of a loved one and his reaction is apathetic and even non-existent.

This type of affect has clearly distinctive reactions, since it is related to anger, the fear, shame, among other emotions. Negative emotional affect can be manifested in the form of sobs, frozen gaze, lowered head, pale face, among other examples that are identified with people.

Usually negative affect rises to a threat, due to dissatisfaction or due to the fact of not reaching a certain goal.

In this manifestation of emotional affection there is a total restriction of the expression of emotions. That is, those who feel this type of affection do not show facial expressions, or any other physical manifestation in situations that cause them any emotion.

Within the types of affections in psychology, we are facing a classification that is out of all proportion and that not suitable for situations. For example, a person may laugh nonstop for several minutes at something that is not funny. Even his reaction is considered inappropriate and out of context.

Emotional affect is undoubtedly an outward display of the emotions and feelings we experience. Furthermore, it becomes a essential strategy to interrelate with the people around us. Therefore, being able to express affection widely is a clear sign of inner balance and good emotional health.

Therefore, if you are interested in evaluating your affective capacity, you can take our affectivity test.

This article is merely informative, in Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.

If you want to read more articles similar to Types of affect in psychology, we recommend that you enter our category of Emotions.

1. Spanish Ministry of Health (2021). Emotional Wellbeing. https://bemocion.sanidad.gob.es/emocionEstres/tristeza/aspectosEsenciales/queEs/home.htm
2. American Psychological Association official website: https://dictionary.apa.org/sadness

• Wyer, RS, Clore, GL, and Isbell, LM (1999). Affect and information processing. In MP Zanna (Ed.), Advances in Experimental Social Psychology (Vol. 31, p. 1-77). San Diego, CA: Academic Press.