The psychosomatic but non-sensory-perceptual form (whether appetitive or emotional) in which an animal experiences a sense that some aspect of reality is in beneficial or harmful in relationship to it, and to what degree.

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Elaboration

Ultimately, "affect" can be defined only ostensively. In this context, "affect" and "feeling" are synonyms.

Note

¹This definition owes inspiration to Nathaniel Branden's discussion and definition of "emotion" in his book, The Psychology of Self-Esteem.