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The independence of positive and negative affect
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
|November 1, 1984
Summary
Positive and negative affect are independent over long periods but correlated short-term. This research highlights how time frames influence emotional connections, impacting our understanding of mood regulation.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Affective Science
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Understanding the relationship between positive and negative emotions is crucial for mental health research.
- Previous research has yielded mixed findings regarding the correlation between positive and negative affect.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how the time frame influences the relationship between positive and negative affect.
- To examine the temporal dynamics of emotional experiences.
Main Methods:
- Five studies were conducted, utilizing daily mood reports, moment-to-moment reports, and retrospective recall.
- Data collection periods varied from one month to 70 days, including specific reports during emotional events.
Main Results:
- Positive and negative affect were nearly independent over the past year but moderately negatively correlated over the past month.
- The negative correlation between positive and negative affect was strongest during emotional times and decreased linearly with increasing time spans.
Conclusions:
- The relationship between positive and negative affect is highly dependent on the time frame considered.
- Positive and negative affect appear independent over longer durations, suggesting distinct underlying processes.