Affect (psychology)

Affect in psychology refers to the experience of feeling or emotion. It encompasses the various ways we express our feelings, such as happiness, sadness, anger, or fear, and includes both our internal emotional states and outward expressions, like facial expressions or tone of voice. Affect plays a crucial role in how we relate to others, make decisions, and respond to our environment. It can be positive (pleasant) or negative (unpleasant) and varies in intensity. Understanding affect helps us grasp how emotions influence behavior and mental health.