Using free association networks to extract characteristic patterns of affect dynamics

Abstract

The dynamics of human affect in day-to-day life are an intrinsic part of human behaviour. Yet, it is difficult to observe and objectively measure how affect evolves over time with sufficient resolution. Here, we suggest an approach that combines free association networks with affect mapping, to gain insight into basic patterns of affect dynamics. This approach exploits the established connection in the literature between association networks and behaviour. Using extant rich data, we find consistent patterns of the dynamics of the valence and arousal dimensions of affect. First, we find that the individuals represented by the data tend to feel a constant pull towards an affect-neutral global equilibrium point in the valence–arousal space. The farther the affect is from that point, the stronger the pull. We find that the drift of affect exhibits high inertia, i.e. is slow-changing, but with occasional discontinuous jumps of valence. We further find that, under certain conditions, another metastable equilibrium point emerges on the network, but one which represents a much more negative and agitated state of affect. Finally, we demonstrate how the affect-coded association network can be used to identify useful or harmful trajectories of associative thoughts that otherwise are hard to extract.