Anxiety and enthusiasm are structurally separate emotional dimensions, not opposites.
Evidence
In the end, the factor-structural evidence rejects the hypothesis of a single valence dimension and instead supports the current view that anxiety and enthusiasm are distinctive emotional responses. Yet this evidence should not persuade. So far, we observe only static correlation, a matter of which emotional responses go together, rather than evidence of theoretical function. More persuasive evidence would require that we demonstrate that each dimension of emotional arousal has systematic and distinct behavioral consequences congruent with the dual-system theory. — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 1687
Categorization
- XREF: This dual-system (behavioral approach/inhibition) account of affect connects to the reader’s broader interest in how stable dispositions vs. situational states drive behavior — a trait/state distinction echoing the Frankfurt-era work on authoritarian personality as disposition. — connects to: Emotional enthusiasm and anxiety toward candidates are independent dimensions, not opposites — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 1684; Enthusiasm and anxiety are separate systems serving different political functions — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 1738; Arousal and valence are separable emotion dimensions rated independently. (+1 more)
Broader Connections
- Emotional enthusiasm and anxiety toward candidates are independent dimensions, not opposites
#corroborates(1.00) — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 1684 - Enthusiasm and anxiety are separate systems serving different political functions
#corroborates(0.95) — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 1738 - Mood is two-dimensional, driven by distinct enthusiasm and anxiety systems in the brain.
#corroborates(0.90) — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 1664 - Arousal and valence are separable emotion dimensions rated independently.
#expands(0.72)