Affect Theory /
8 articles
In our perpetual quest for happiness, we often navigate through many experiences, ideologies, and self-help doctrines, seeking a recipe that promises fleeting joy and meaningful happiness. Yet, what if the key to such profound contentment lies not in achieving a state of blissful stasis but in…
What causes attachment styles? This comprehensive exploration delves into how attachment styles, conceptualized through the lenses of anxious-ambivalent, avoidant, and disorganized categories, play a crucial role in shaping individuals’ strategies for managing shame and vulnerability. It…
Imagine standing on a breezy hill at dusk, watching a flock of birds dance across the sky. Each bird, seemingly mindful of its neighbors, moves in a harmonious ballet of dips, rises, splits, and converges. This mesmerizing natural spectacle, known as a murmuration, is a wonder of nature and the…
The Claustral: Safe Haven or Self-Suffocation? When I’m at conventions, like I was a couple of weeks ago in DC, after a long day of being with others, even the relative unfamiliarity and intentional impersonalness of my hotel room can provide emotional comfort and sustenance. It becomes my room;…
The Music and Movement of the Self: Understanding Our Affective/Emotional World Let’s examine the interplay of affect theory, attachment styles, vitality affects, and interoception. This exploration delves into how these elements interact to shape our affective-emotional experiences,…
Today, let’s delve into a pivotal yet often undervalued aspect of therapeutic work: shame, through the lens of Silvan Tompkins’ affect theory. Understanding and addressing shame within this framework is not just an academic exercise; it’s a crucial component of effective therapy and personal…
Silvan Tompkins, a prominent thinker in psychology, had a unique take on shame. According to him, shame is like an automatic, built-in response that kicks in whenever something blocks our good vibes, precisely the excitement of discovering new things or the joy we feel when we’re having a great…
Have you ever noticed how the vibe of a message changes with the tone, even if the words are the same? This is what ‘vitality affects’ is about, a concept brought to life by psychologist Daniel Stern. They’re not just regular feelings but the energy, rhythm, and intensity behind our daily…