noun. 1. with regard to the field theory of Kurt Lewin, the subjective worth of an occurrence, item, individual or other being in the life space of the person. An entity which draws the person nearer has positive valence, while one which repels the target has negative valence. 2. With regard to particular theories of motivation, the expected gratification of reaching a specific objective or result.
Definition of Valence in psychology
Valence in psychology refers to the intrinsic attractiveness or aversiveness of an event, object, or situation. It represents the positive or negative emotional value associated with a stimulus and plays a crucial role in shaping human behavior and decision-making.
Positive vs negative valence with examples
Positive valence refers to its capacity to arouse pleasurable feelings like joy, satisfaction, or love. This kind of valence is linked to experiences that are satisfying, fun, or enjoyable.
Examples of stimuli with positive valence include:
- Receiving a compliment: which can boost self-esteem and evoke feelings of pride and happiness.
- Achieving a goal: which often elicits a sense of accomplishment, satisfaction, and fulfillment.
- Engaging in a favorite activity: which can bring about pleasure, relaxation, or excitement.
Negative valence refers to the aversiveness of a stimuli that makes us feel unfavorable emotions like fear, rage, or sadness. This kind of valence is connected to unpleasant, difficult, or stressful experiences. Here are some examples of stimuli with a negative valence:
- Encountering a threatening situation: which can trigger fear, anxiety, or apprehension.
- Facing failure: which can elicit feelings of disappointment, frustration, or regret.
- Experiencing loss: which often evokes emotions of grief, sorrow, or loneliness.
How do you measure valence in psychology?
Valence, a core aspect of emotional experience, can be assessed through a variety of methods in psychology. These include self-report measures, behavioral indices, and physiological markers.
- Self-report Measures: Self-report measures require participants to rate their emotional experiences or reactions to stimuli on a scale that typically ranges from positive to negative valence.
- Behavioral Indices: Valence can be inferred from observable behavioral cues such as facial expressions, body language, and vocal patterns. Valence can be inferred from observable behavioral cues, such as:
- Facial expressions: Smiles and relaxed expressions are associated with positive valence, while anger, disgust, or frowning indicate negative valence.
- Body language: Open and relaxed postures suggest positive valence, whereas tense, closed, or defensive positions imply negative valence.
- Vocal patterns: Tone, pitch, and volume of speech can convey emotional valence, with positive emotions often characterized by a higher pitch and negative emotions by a lower pitch or louder volume.
- Physiological Markers: Physiological indicators of valence can be evaluated through methods like heart rate monitoring, skin conductance measurement, and brain activity analysis. Physiological indicators of valence can be evaluated through methods such as:
- Heart rate monitoring: Changes in heart rate can reflect emotional valence, with increased heart rate generally indicating heightened emotional arousal, whether positive or negative.
- Skin conductance measurement: Arousal levels linked to valence can be assessed by measuring changes in skin conductance or sweat gland activity in response to emotional stimuli.
- Pupil dilation: Pupil size can vary with emotional valence, with increased dilation indicating heightened emotional arousal.
References:
Schwarz, N., & Clore, G. L. (2003). Mood as information: 20 years later. Psychological Inquiry, 14(3-4), 296-303. https://doi.org/10.1080/1047840X.2003.9682896
Cacioppo, J. T., Gardner, W. L., & Berntson, G. G. (1997). Beyond bipolar conceptualizations and measures: The case of attitudes and evaluative space. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 1(1), 3-25. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327957pspr0101_2
Bradley, M. M., & Lang, P. J. (1994). Measuring emotion: The Self-Assessment Manikin and the semantic differential. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 25(1), 49-59. https://doi.org/10.1016/0005-7916(94)90063-9
Ekman, P. (1990). An argument for basic emotions. Cognition & Emotion, 6(3-4), 169-200. https://doi.org/10.1080/02699939208411068
Olofsson, J. K., Nordin, S., Sequeira, H., & Polich, J. (2008). Affective picture processing: An integrative review of ERP findings. Biological Psychology, 77(3), 247-265. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsycho.2007.11.006
