Differences in positive and negative affect dimensions: Latent trait analysis

Differences between the positive and negative affect dimensions of Tellegen's (1985) model of mood are examined with 713 undergraduates, using findings from latent trait analysis. Information curves as well as raw score and factor score distributions are compared for positive and negative mood terms. Differences between the dimensions are suggested by the lack of information at low to moderate levels for negative affect and additional results which support findings from previous studies. Positive affect appears to be characterized by fluctuations in the level of affect across a wide range, while negative affect may be characterized by qualitatively different types of affect which appear at high levels and with relatively low frequency. Theoretical implications for different affective systems and discrete emotions are discussed.