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Affective realism is the psychological phenomenon in which emotions influence how we perceive reality. In other words, our feelings can shape what we see, hear, and experience, making perception subjective rather than purely objective.
Key Aspects of Affective Realism:
Emotion Shapes Perception – Instead of simply reacting to the world, our emotions actively construct our reality. For example, if you're feeling anxious, a neutral face might seem threatening.
Brain Processes – The brain integrates sensory input with emotional and cognitive states, meaning perception is not just a bottom-up process (from the senses to the brain) but also a top-down one (from thoughts and emotions to interpretation).
Implications – Affective realism explains biases in decision-making, eyewitness testimony errors, and how moods influence judgments about people and situations.
Daily Life Examples:
- A tired and stressed person might perceive a crowded room as overwhelming, while a happy person might find it exciting.
- A person in love may see their partner as more attractive than others might.
- Someone who is angry might perceive neutral comments as hostile.
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