How can affect be defined?

Affect refers to the observable expression of emotion that can be seen in an individual's demeanor or behavior. It encompasses how a person's emotions are presented to others, such as through facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language. This definition aligns well with the concept of external expression of emotions, as it highlights the expressions that communicate an individual's emotional state to the outside world.

The distinction between affect and other emotional concepts, like internal emotional states or long-term patterns, is critical. Internal emotional states focus on what the individual feels privately, which may not always be observable. Long-term emotional patterns would refer to a person's typical ways of feeling over time, and unconscious emotional responses delve into feelings that a person may not be fully aware of or understand. While those aspects are important in understanding an individual's emotional health and functioning, they do not capture the essence of affect as it is commonly used in psychological assessments.