Opponent process theory

Opponent process theory is a psychological concept that explains how we experience emotions and perceptions in opposing pairs. For example, when we feel happiness, we might also have a contrasting feeling of sadness. This theory suggests that emotions are interconnected; experiencing one can lead to the eventual emergence of its opposite. Over time, repeated experiences can strengthen these emotional responses, making the highs feel less intense and the lows feel more intense. It's often used to explain complex feelings, color perception, and even addiction, highlighting the balance between conflicting emotional states.