On defining positive affect (PA) : considering attitudes toward emotions, measures of PA, and approach motivation

Definitions in relatively new fields of science need to be clearly articulated by researchers, even if the field has yet to adopt a standard definition. In this article, we discuss the various definitions of positive affect and positive emotion. We then review evidence related to defining an emotion as subjectively enjoyed (i.e. attitudes toward emotions). We also review evidence that suggests that the most commonly used measure of positive affect is problematic and does not cleanly measure positive affect. Finally, we review evidence that suggests that positive affect and approach motivation are not invariably positively associated, as many prior theories had proposed.