Modeling daily variation in the affective circumplex: A dynamical systems approach

We modeled daily variation in the affective circumplex using dynamical systems analysis. Eighteen participants self-reported on dimensions of positive affect (PA), negative affect (NA), valence, and arousal consecutively for 90 days. Analyses revealed that the farther emotions were from their respective mean levels (equilibria), the faster they returned. However, emotions did not stabilize near equilibria, but rather waxed and waned indefinitely. Constant affective fluctuation may be a feature of normal emotional self-regulation, and stabilization may be relative to a range of emotional states rather than to a single value. When considered in conjunction, NA influenced subsequent trends in PA, potentially highlighting the importance of attending to threats before approaching rewarding stimuli, and arousal influenced valence.

► We applied dynamical systems analysis to daily variation in the affective circumplex. ► The affective dimensions waxed and waned indefinitely. ► Negative affect influenced variation in positive affect. ► Arousal influenced variation in valence.