Refers to a degree to which an emotion is pleasant or unpleasant/good or bad.

Valence

Refers to the degree in which we are activated (aroused) or deactivated (unaroused)

Activation

Core Affect is what constructionist theorists consider to be the innate part of emotion. It is considered to be composed of two parts:
- Valence
- Activation

Alma College

Psychological constructionist theories investigate the wide variation of experiences people have for specific emotions. For instance, why do some people report different behaviors when they are happy? 

Psychological Constructionism

Niedenthal, P. M., & Ric, F. (2017). Psychology of Emotion (2nd ed.). Psychology Press.

Psychology of Emotion

Psychological constructionist believe that emotions are the result of applying learned categories to our present experiences.

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