The two general activation systems of affect: Structural findings, evolutionary considerations, and psychobiological evidence.

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Abstract
D. Watson and A. Tellegen (19X5') proposed a "consensual" structure of affect based on J. A. Russell's (1980) circumplcx. The authors" review of the literature indicates that this 2-factor model captures robust structural properties of self-rated mood. Nevertheless, the evidence also indicates that the circumplcx does not fit the data closely and needs to be refined. Most notably, the model's dimensions are not entirely independent: moreover, with the exception of Pleasantness— Unpleasantness, they are not com- pletely bipolar. More generally, the data suggest a model that falls somewhere between classic simple structure and a true circumplex. The authors then examine two of the dimensions imbedded in this structure, which they label Negative Activation (NA) and Positive Activation (PA). The authors argue that PA and NA represent the subjective components of broader biobchavioral systems of approach and withdrawal, respectively. The authors conclude by demonstrating how this framework helps to clarify various affect-related phenomena, including circadian rhythms, sleep, and the mood disorders. On the basis of a review and reanalysis of the existing data, Watson and Tellegen (1985) concluded that "a basic two- dimensional structure of affect emerges across a number of differ- ent lines of research and a very large number of analyses" (p. 234). They noted, moreover, that this structure emerged even in data sets compromised by methodologica l problems such as acquiescence bias and inappropriate response formats. Accordingly, they argued that this structure now was "firmly established as the basic struc- ture of English-language affect at the general factor level" (p. 219). More than a decade has passed since Watson and Tellegen (1985) articulated this "consensual" model. The model has stim- ulated an enormous body of research, including a growing litera- ture— using advanced data analytic techniques (such as confirma- tory factor analysis) that were not widely available in 1985—on the adequacy of the model itself. How has it fared in the face of such scrutiny? Can it still be accepted as the basic structure of affect at the general factor level? Moreover, what have we learned about the basic dimensions of mood? The goal of this article is to examine these questions in light of contemporary data. We begin by examining the validity of this two-factor model. We then explore a specific conceptualization of this model that emphasizes the importance of two dimensions of activation. Our primary focus throughout the article will be on self-rated mood and emotionality, but we will consider other lines of evidence as well.

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