Pleasure, displeasure, and mixed feelings: Are semantic opposites mutually exclusive?

Abstract

Are pleasure and displeasure opposite markers of a single dimension, or are pleasure and displeasure two separate feelings? The present article argues that the existing evidence proved inconclusive for four reasons: (a) assessment of affect in unspecified situations, (b) assessment of affect at one moment in time, (c) use of inappropriate statistics, and (d) lack of theoretical predictions. The present article presents a study in which affect was assessed before and after an induction of mild displeasure via unpleasant pictures. Furthermore, pleasure and displeasure ratings are compared to ratings of feeling hot and cold. Results indicate that hot and cold ratings represent opposite ends of a single hot-cold dimension. Pleasure ratings could not be represented along a single pleasure-displeasure dimension. Methodological implications for future research on the structure of affect are discussed.