| Nonlinear Dynamics, Psychology, and Life Sciences, Vol. 6, Iss. 3, Jul, 2002, pp. 231-257 @2002 Society for Chaos Theory in Psychology & Life Sciences Dynamics and Correlates of Microscopic Changes in Affect Abstract: How are momentary microscopic assessments of behavioral dynamics related to traditional macroscopic, static measures? The present study used the computerized “mouse paradigm” to assess near-instantaneous changes in affect over a short time. Dynamic indices were computed from approximately 1400 measurements from the last 2.5 minutes of a 3-minute assessment. Subjects monitored and reported emotional states by moving a cursor along a dimension from “Sadder” to “Happier.” They also completed self-report measures: Scales 2 (Depression) and 9 (Mania) of the MMPI-2, the Positive and Negative Affect Scale, and the Wisconsin scales of Physical Anhedonia and Hypomanic traits. The instantaneous data yielded a summary measure of mean affect, as well as indices of variability. Complexity indices were derived and examined. Mean affect ratings correlated in expected directions with the paper and pencil measures. There was evidence for low-dimensional chaos in short-term affect dynamics. As hypothesized, greater complexity was associated with Pleasant Affect and Hypomania but was negatively correlated with Anhedonia. Keywords: affect, dynamics, chaos, individual differences, depression, hypomania |