Weekly Mood
Tracker
NEURODIVERGENT INSIGHTS
Dr. Neff
Emotional Identification
The Emotion Matrix
The Emotion Matrix, technically known as the Arousal-Valence Matrix,
happens to be my preferred visual tool for emotion identification.
What sets it apart is its comprehensive nature, encompassing not only
emotions but also body awareness. This aspect makes it especially
advantageous for enhancing interoception awareness and cultivating
a more holistic grasp of emotional experiences, particularly for
beginners.
The Arousal-Valence Matrix maps emotions on a graph using arousal
and valence axes.
Arousal: This pertains to the intensity of the emotion or the level of
energy associated with it. Emotions like happiness, excitement, fear,
and anger, which are energizing, will be plotted high on the arousal
axis. In contrast, calmness or sadness, which are low-energy emotions,
will be positioned lower on the arousal axis.
Valence: This denotes whether the emotion is positive or negative.
Positive emotions such as joy or love are situated on the right side of
the valence axis, while negative emotions like fear or sadness occupy
the left side.
For instance, happiness is characterized by both high arousal and
high valence, while contentment leans toward high valence but low
arousal. Sadness falls into the category of low arousal and low valence,
whereas anger is marked by high arousal and low valence.
©Dr. Neff | www.neurodivergentinsights.com
Emotional Identification
The Emotion Matrix
The matrix is divided into four quadrants, each determined by the
interplay of arousal and valence. By pinpointing the quadrant
corresponding to a specific emotion, you can enhance your
comprehension of your overall emotional landscape.
Unpleasant Pleasant
Infuriated Rage Excited
High Arousal
Happy
High Arousal
Pride
Angry Terror
Determination
Panic
Fear Glad
Frustrated Amused
Delighted
Annoyed Alarmed Anticipation
Curious
Melancholy Despair Content
Gratitude
Low Arousal
Low Arousal
Apathy
Bored Satisfied
Depressed
Serenity
Gloomy
Sad Coziness
Relaxed
Grief
Tired Calm
Disinterest
Unpleasant Pleasant
Vertical Axis: Arousal
Horizontal Axis: Pleasure
The Arousal-Valence Matrix
Unpleasant Pleasant
High Arousal
High Arousal
Low Arousal
Low Arousal
Unpleasant Pleasant
©Dr. Neff | www.neurodivergentinsights.com
The Arousal-Valence Matrix
Unpleasant Pleasant
High Arousal
High Arousal
Low Arousal
Low Arousal
Unpleasant Pleasant
©Dr. Neff | www.neurodivergentinsights.com
The Arousal-Valence Matrix
Unpleasant Pleasant
High Arousal
High Arousal
Low Arousal
Low Arousal
Unpleasant Pleasant
©Dr. Neff | www.neurodivergentinsights.com
The Arousal-Valence Matrix
Unpleasant Pleasant
High Arousal
High Arousal
Low Arousal
Low Arousal
Unpleasant Pleasant
©Dr. Neff | www.neurodivergentinsights.com
The Arousal-Valence Matrix
Unpleasant Pleasant
High Arousal
High Arousal
Low Arousal
Low Arousal
Unpleasant Pleasant
©Dr. Neff | www.neurodivergentinsights.com
The Arousal-Valence Matrix
Unpleasant Pleasant
High Arousal
High Arousal
Low Arousal
Low Arousal
Unpleasant Pleasant
©Dr. Neff | www.neurodivergentinsights.com
The Arousal-Valence Matrix
Unpleasant Pleasant
High Arousal
High Arousal
Low Arousal
Low Arousal
Unpleasant Pleasant
©Dr. Neff | www.neurodivergentinsights.com
