emotional valence

the value associated with a stimulus as expressed on a continuum from pleasant to unpleasant or from attractive to aversive. In factor analysis and multidimensional scaling studies, emotional valence is one of two axes (or dimensions) on which an emotion can be located, the other axis being arousal (expressed as a continuum from high to low). For example, happiness is typically characterized by pleasant valence and relatively high arousal, whereas sadness or depression is typically characterized by unpleasant valence and relatively low arousal.

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Psychology term of the day

July 27th 2024

vital functions

functions of the body (e.g., respiration, blood circulation of the blood) that are necessary to sustain life. Many vital functions are controlled by the brainstem.