Emotional dimensions reflected in ratings of affective scripts

Emotion theories can be divided into those that propose either the existence of discrete emotions, or of basic dimensions describing affective space. Recent theories propose a hybrid of these. This study examines ratings of emotional scripts with the prediction that these would fit a hybrid theory. The effect of trait positive and negative affectivity on the perception of affective materials is also assessed. Scripts were rated on valence, arousal, dominance and affect orientation, and on the presence of basic emotions. Factor analyses and multidimensional scaling supported largely that emotional responses reflected the basic dimensions of valence and arousal but that scripts could also be classified into specific emotion categories, indicating that a hybrid model may be most appropriate.