affect theory
the idea that feelings and emotions are the primary motives for human behavior, with people desiring to maximize their positive feelings and minimize their negative ones. Within the theory, affects are considered to be innate and universal responses that create consciousness and direct cognition. Eight primary affects are postulated: the positive ones of excitement and enjoyment; the negative ones of distress, fear, shame, disgust, and anger; and the relatively neutral one of interest. Despite their biological nature and triggering mechanisms, primary affects are subject to significant social modification and social causation. See also script theory. [proposed in 1962 by Silvan S. Tomkins]