CLIENTS’ POSITIVE AFFECT (PA) AND NEGATIVE AFFECT (NA) AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP TO DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the effects of positive affect (PA) and negative affect (NA) among clients. We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 104 Malaysian client and used multiple regression analyses. We found that positive affect (PA) positively predicted anxiety, but not depression, and that negative affect (NA) positively predicted both anxiety and depression. These results indicated several strengths and provides insights into factors that contribute to clients’ positive and negative affects, clients’ psychological health and, depending on clients’ level of PA. Thus, future studies could explore possible mediating factors or strategies designed to boost positive affect (PA) to specifically alleviate anxiety symptoms.