Emotion and Affect

Emotion and affect are related aspects of our feelings. Emotion refers to specific, intense responses to an event or situation, like feeling happy after good news or angry after an unfair setback. Affect is a broader term that describes the overall emotional tone or mood someone has, which can be positive, negative, or neutral. While emotions are temporary and linked to particular triggers, affect is more persistent and can influence our general outlook. Both help shape our behavior, decisions, and how we experience the world around us.