Affect Dynamics and Cognitive Processes: Measurement, Modeling, and Integration Across Laboratory and Real-World Contexts

The convergence of affective science and cognitive psychology is increasingly shedding light on the dynamic interplay between affective states and cognitive processes such as flexibility and emotion regulation. Recent years have seen a growing interest in the investigation of within-person variability and temporal trajectories of these processes through advanced quantitative methods. Laboratory paradigms - including virtual reality, psychophysiological monitoring, and behavioral assessments - offer precise experimental control, while ecological momentary assessment (ESM) and other field-based approaches capture the complexity of these dynamics in everyday life. However, integrating findings across these distinct contexts remains a methodological and theoretical challenge.Recent studies have applied techniques such as time-series analysis, dynamical systems modeling, and Markov models to map within-person variability in affect and cognition. These approaches are providing new insight into how emotion regulation and cognitive flexibility unfold moment by moment across laboratory and real-world settings. At the same time, important questions remain regarding how to connect evidence from different contexts, standardize modeling strategies, and integrate multimodal data in meaningful ways. Addressing these challenges requires interdisciplinary collaboration and methodological innovation.This Research Topic aims to bring together contributions that foster methodological and theoretical integration between affective and cognitive dynamics, with a particular emphasis on quantitative approaches that bridge laboratory and ecological research. We particularly welcome work that proposes new modeling frameworks, explores methodological challenges, and applies advanced analyses across diverse populations and settings.Topics of interest may include, but are not limited to:- Quantitative modeling of temporal affect and cognition patterns- Innovations and challenges in ecological momentary assessment (ESM)- Comparative analyses of laboratory-based and real-world data- Links between psychophysiological measures and dynamic cognitive and affective processes- Methodological integration and development of unified frameworks Topic editors: Francesca Borghesi, Alice Chirico, Desirée Colombo Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/81406/affect-dynamics-and-cognitive-processes-measurement-modeling-and-integration-across-laboratory-and-real-world-contexts