What is the Difference Between Affect and Mood?

The main difference between affect and mood lies in the duration and intensity of the emotional experiences they describe:

• Affect refers to a momentary or short-term emotional response, often experienced in response to a specific event or stimulus. It can be described as broad, restricted, labile, or flat, and is judged in the context of the setting and other observations. Affect is more reactive and fluctuating, like the weather.
• Mood refers to a more pervasive and sustained emotional state that influences all aspects of the mental state. It tends to be less intense than an emotion and does not necessarily require a contextual stimulus. Moods last longer than emotions, ranging from hours to days, and can affect a person's emotional intensity in new situations. Mood is more prolonged and consistent, like the climate.

In summary, affect is a momentary emotional response, while mood is a prolonged emotional state. Both affect and mood can be described as dysphoric (depression, anxiety, guilt), euthymic (normal), or euphoric (implying a pathologically elevated sense of well-being).

Comparative Table: Affect vs Mood

The main difference between affect and mood lies in their duration and whether they are subjective or objective. Here is a table summarizing the differences:

• Affect refers to the outward expression of an individual's emotions, which can be observed by others. It is considered objective because it can be seen and measured. Affect is momentary, like the weather, and reflects a complex emotional state.

• Mood refers to an individual's internal emotional state, such as feeling happy, sad, depressed, or worried. It is considered subjective because it is experienced internally and can vary from person to person. Mood is sustained and more prolonged than affect, similar to climate.

In summary, affect is the visible expression of an individual's emotions, while mood is the internal emotional state itself. Affect is objective and momentary, whereas mood is subjective and sustained.