Emotions arise inside of us and profoundly affect our moods. What are these psychological states exactly? Emotions are related to moods, but they’re not the same thing. Emotions are an acute state of affect and arousal lasting from seconds to minutes, whereas mood refers to a longer-term emotional tone. Emotions occur against a background of mood. You might be in a slightly irritated mood after having had an argument with your boss. Then, when someone steps on your foot in line at a Starbucks, or your seven-year-old keeps interrupting you, well, that’s when you begin to exhibit emotion.
