Non‐linear dynamics in affective solutions: analysis of massive collectives of emotional agents

Abstract

PurposeAims to take an atomistic view on emotions, where emotions are seen as discrete entities interacting with one another.Design/methodology/approachTakes an unconventional route in simulation of mental processes – studying emotions in terms of artificial, abstract, chemical systems, where emotions are seen as chemical species and chemical reactions correspond to rules of emotional interactions.FindingsAn affective solution is a theoretical construct which represents emotions spreading and interacting in massive pools of locally interacting entities. Molecules in the affective solution stand for basic emotions: happiness, anger, fear, confusion and sadness, which diffuse and react with each other by quasi‐chemical laws. In computational experiments with affective solutions, in well‐stirred and thin‐layer reactors, uncovers varieties of behavioural modes of emotion interactions.Originality/valueTests applicability of affective solutions in an example of emotional abuse therapy.