Affect Theory is a psychological framework that explores how emotions and feelings influence human behavior and social interactions. It emphasizes the role of affect, which refers to the experience of feeling or emotion, in shaping individual experiences and relationships. This theory suggests that emotions are not just personal experiences but also social phenomena that can affect group dynamics and cultural practices.
Developed by scholars like Silvan Tomkins and later expanded by others, Affect Theory examines how different affects can motivate actions and responses. It highlights the importance of understanding emotional expressions and their impact on communication, identity, and social structures, making it relevant in fields like psychology, sociology, and cultural studies.