difference between flat and blunted affect

The absence of any exhibition of emotions is described as flat affect where the voice is monotone, the face expressionless, and the body immobile. As the reduction in display of emotion becomes more severe, the term blunted affect may be applied. A restricted or constricted affect describes a mild restriction in the range or intensity of display of feelings. People with psychological disorders may display variations in their affect. Others may show little outward response to social environments or interactions, expressing a narrow range of emotions to the outside world. Certain individuals may gesture prolifically while talking, and display dramatic facial expressions in reaction to social situations or other stimuli.

What is considered a normal range of affect, called the broad affect, varies from culture to culture, and even within a culture. Individual affect fluctuates according to emotional state.

DescriptionĪ person’s affect is the expression of emotion or feelings displayed to others through facial expressions, hand gestures, voice tone, and other emotional signs such as laughter or tears. Affect is a psychological term for an observable expression of emotion.

Difference between flat and blunted affect