Affective Emergence

• Responses to First Learning about Affect Theory by Jim Duffy a.k.a. J.C.D., 2/28/97
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    • Exactly by Jonathan Grindlinger, 4/17/97
      
      

Jon,...One thing that has happened since I have been reading and posting on Behavior On Line is that I have become more sensitive to the inclusion of an affective component in tracing the origins of human behavior. Although I remain primarily a cognitive therapist (with a heavy reliance on existential methodology) I have developed a better perspective on the related emotional aspects of human behavior. I previously felt that the cognitive component was responsible for the perception/processing/integration of phenomena and that the affective component was a "flag", if you will, for identifying varying degrees of intensity during the integration process. I now feel thta the affective component is part of these three processes and is more of an active agent within the construct of the consciousness. Thus, I think my perspective has become more balanced. .........Now, in reference to duality or splits (schisms) I am more versed in understanding this from both the point of existential consciousness and pathology. Assuming that the affective is an active component in the perception and processing of phenomena then pathology may result from the lack of affectivity in the presenting self (what we refer to as flat affect in the depressive). This lack of affectivity often is the first clinical sign that the client is suffering from significent depression. Thus, it may be that depression, in part, is the repression/reduction of emotional involvement in the world. The flip side of this pathology may be the repression/reduction of the cognitive component which would result in an irrational or anxious presenting self. ......I have dealt mostly in this arena with splits and or dualities in the consciousness which can lead to pathological behavior (The Divided Self/R.D. Laing, Being and Nothingness/J.P.Sartre (reference/reflect consciousness)]. This area is where the more severe major life problems occur and most of my clinical life has addressed this arena. This is probably a good transition for a future discussion. Look forward to hearing from you..........Ed

• Modularity versus Continuum by Jonathan Grindlinger, 4/23/97
  • Modulation vs Mathmatics by Ed Riemann, 5/1/97