The two general activation systems of affect: Structural findings, evolutionary considerations, and psychobiological evidence

Author(s): Wiese, D., Vaidya, J., Tellegen, A.

Journal/Book: J Personal Soc Psychol. 1999; 76: 750 First St NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242, USA. Amer Psychological Assoc. 820-838.

Abstract: D. Watson and A. Tellegen (1985) proposed a ''consensual'' structure of affect based on J. A. Russell's (1980) circumplex. The authors' review of the literature indicates that this ? factor model captures robust structural properties of self-rated mood. Nevertheless, the evidence also indicates that the circumplex does not fit the data closely and needs to be refined. Most notably, the modal's dimensions are not entirely independent: moreover, with the exception of Pleasantness-Unpleasantness, they are not completely bipolar. More generally, the data suggest a model that falls somewhere between classic simple structure and a true circumplex. The authors then examine two of the dimensions imbedded in this structure. Which they label Negative Activation (NA) and Positive Activation (PA). The authors argue that PA and NA represent the subjective components of broader biobehavioral systems of approach and withdrawal, respectively. The authors conclude by demonstrating how this framework helps to clarify various affect-related phenomena including circadian rhythms, sleep, and the mood disorders.

Note: Article Watson D, Univ Iowa, Dept Psychol, E11 Seashore Hall, Iowa City,IA 52242 USA

Keyword(s): SELF-REPORTED MOOD; NEGATIVE AFFECT; AFFECTIVE-DISORDERS; PERSONALITY; ANXIETY; EXPERIENCE; MODEL; TEMPERAMENT; PSYCHOPATHOLOGY; INDEPENDENCE

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