Many people baffle the understanding of mood vs. affect. Everyone has emotions and feelings. We use them to describe our inner feelings. In this era, everyone faces different situations in their daily life. And every human has a unique way of dealing with them. Some people have substantial control over their emotions and handle the circumstances beautifully. On the other hand, some need a little effort to overcome this kind of case.
Today we will discuss the difference between mood and affect myth. Here we go.
Mood Vs Affect: What Is Mood?
An emotionful state of a person is known as a mood. It can vary in different situations. For instance, a mood can be happy, sad, positive, or negative. Moreover, a mood lasts for a tad bit longer.
Moods are emotional changes in a person. So, no significant reason is necessary to alter the mood. Besides, a good or bad mood impacts life and mental state.
What Is Mood As Per Psychology?
Psychology describes mood as the internal feelings of a person. This mental state can last longer. Sometimes, we do not understand the reason behind our good and bad moods because the prediction of changing moods is challenging.
Mood plays a vital role in the thinking process of a person. For example, your energy level and thinking ability get down when you are sad. Consequently, you will start thinking negatively. On the other hand, a happy person thinks differently. A good mood provides positive energy to the mind. Ultimately, you feel energetic and positive.
You can spoil someone else day with your bad mood. When you have negative energy, you will automatically spread negativity. You might argue with a friend or say harsh words. In spite, if you are feeling joy, you will speak politely. You always spread whatever is inside you.
Types Of Mood As Illustrated From Mood Vs Affect
According to psychology, people have several moods. These moods vary as per the situation. Our mood swings have a lot of impact on our lives and interactions. So, we will discuss some basic moods of humans.
Happiness
A state when you feel cheerful, satisfied, and joyful. Everyone has a different way of expressing happiness. The sign of a happy mood is everything seems perfect and lovely. Moreover, it gives you a feel of having everything you desire. Besides, your face gets smiling, and you do every task finely. That cheery smile and excitement show a happy mood.
Sadness
A state of disappointment, grief, and misery is known as sadness. Some people are perfect at hiding their sorrow. While experiencing sadness, facial expressions change. The signs of seriousness, quietness, and grief can be visible on the face. In addition, it makes you feel a negative and broken heart. Moreover, the mental stability becomes down.
Surprise
Something that happens beyond expectations can make you surprised. A surprise can be pleasant or unpleasant. Hence, it can lead your mood to both positivity and negativity. A surprise can make you scream, yell, or shout. Your facial appearance changes such as widening of eyes and raising of brows.
Fear
A natural and powerful human emotion that alerts you about some danger is called fear. Some people are more sensitive to such circumstances. They physically look stressed, and their breath and heartbeat become rapid.
Anger
An extreme emotional phase that happens when something goes wrong is known as anger. It is also an emotion. But, it depends upon your reaction. So, it is better to keep quiet than hurt someone’s feelings.
Disgust
An offended mood when you find something offensive is called disgust. It can cause by something you dislike. For example, a bad smell, a distasteful meal, meeting with a person you do not like, or watching some immoral activity.
Mood Vs Affect: What Is Affect?
A change in a person’s behavior after facing some emotional state is called affect. It doesn’t last long. Moreover, there is always a reason behind the effect.
What is Affect As Per Psychology? Mood Vs Affect
As per psychology, a person’s reaction after experiencing emotions is known as effect. It appears with facial signs, body gestures, and vocal expressions.
Affect influences the life of everyone. It can be positive or negative. For instance, a person has a good source of income. He is happily married and maintaining his life so well. Indeed, it will affect his life. That person will think positive and will be able to solve problems. Moreover, he will have good decision-making power.
Now, suppose it is in the opposite direction. A person with no good income argues daily with his wife and friend. He would have a negative approach. Instead of solving issues, he will make his life more difficult. He will not be able to think creatively. Also, it will decrease the tolerance level and lead to anxiety.
Types Of Effect As Illustrated From Mood Vs Affect
Here are going to discuss a few basic types of effect.
Labile Affect
A fluctuated emotions of a person are labile affect. It could happen due to chemical or biological changes in the body. For example, someone feels sorrow about an accident, but their emotions change after a while.
Broad Affect
In this state, a person widely expresses their feelings. They will give good gestures to describe their grief, joy, or fear. Additionally, their body language and facial expressions involve in it.
Flat Affect
A neutral gesture of somebody is included in flat affect. For example, if a person listens to some good or bad news, they will remain expressionless. Even a dramatic situation can not make them surprised.
Restricted Affect
The limited revealing of body signs is known as restricted affect. In particular, this kind of person faces the situation without impressions. They know how to hide their feelings very well.
Blunted Affect
A difficulty in expressing feelings is called blunted affect. Such as a person either has a monotonous tune or a severe reaction after hearing some shocking condition.
Comparison Between Mood And Affect
Hopefully, you have considered that mood and affect are not the same but interlinked. Suppose you are going through a situation, and it makes you happy. This happiness is your mood. Now, you are smiling or relaxing with happiness; that is the effect.
So, happiness can last longer. But you don’t need to be smiling all the time. Therefore, both are different but connected. So, spreading positivity creates moods and affects positively in this world.