Mental illness and well-being: an affect regulation perspective

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Neuroscience
• Mental Health Research

Background:

• Affective states (emotions, moods, stress) are fundamental to mental health.
• Maladaptive affect generation or regulation can impair mental functioning.
• Existing models may not fully integrate these processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present an integrative framework for understanding affect generation and regulation in mental illness.
• To elucidate the decision-making processes involved in affect regulation.
• To identify implications for clinical assessment and treatment.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual modeling approach.
• Iterative cycle model for affect generation (attend, appraise, respond).
• Iterative decision-making model for affect regulation (identify, select, implement, monitor).

Main Results:

• Difficulties in affect regulation decisions, often due to biased inputs, contribute to mental illness.
• The framework provides a common language for affective states.
• Interactions between affect generation and regulation are highlighted.

Conclusions:

• The proposed model offers a unified perspective on affect and mental health.
• It identifies specific targets for assessment and intervention in affect regulation.
• The framework supports prevention, treatment, and well-being promotion.