# Affect control theory
## MicroSim spec
- **Recommended sim type:** [[Control_system|control system]]
- **Microsimmability score:** 62/100
- **Layout:** drawing region (canvas) on top; control region (sliders/buttons) below.
### Parameters (tunable controls)
- `Identity sentiment`
- `Behavior sentiment`
- `Deflection weight`
### What animates
Interaction events shift sentiments and the model acts to reduce deflection from expected feelings.
### Learning objective
Show how actors choose behaviors that minimize affective deflection.
## Links (Wikipedia order)
<!-- injected from _registry/childlinks/Affect_control_theory.json (2026-07-30T02:09:12Z) -->
`Affect_(psychology)` · `Affect_display` · `Canada` · `China` · `Computer_simulation` · `Connotation` · `Control_theory_(sociology)` · `David_R._Heise` · `Deviance_(sociology)` · `Emotion` · `Germany` · `Impression_formation` · `Japan` · `Labeling_theory` · `Northern_Ireland` · [[Perceptual_control_theory]] · `Psychological_stress` · `Qualitative_research` · `Role` · `Semantic_differential` · `Taiwan`
> p5.js MicroSim stub · part of Systems Science · [Wikipedia source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Affect_control_theory)
> Relation: subfield of systems science.
## Concept summary
In [[Control_theory|control theory]], affect control theory proposes that individuals maintain affective meanings through their actions and interpretations of events.
## Build checklist
- [ ] Claim it: set `status: in-progress` + `lease` + `leased_at`
- [ ] Write the child page explaining the concept (tie it back to systems science)
- [ ] Finalize parameter ranges and defaults
- [ ] Implement the p5.js sketch (drawing + control regions)
- [ ] Add caption + the learning objective on the page
- [ ] Set `status: done`
## p5.js sketch
```javascript
// MicroSim: Affect control theory
let controls = {};
function setup() {
// createCanvas(...); create sliders for the parameters above.
}
function draw() {
// background(...); read controls; render control system; respond live.
}
```
---
Back to Systems Science · Wikipedia: [Affect control theory](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Affect_control_theory)
---
<!-- SEMIOTIC-PROFILE:START -->
## Semiotic profile
> *The semiotic universals this article invokes, machine-derived from the crossref — **unverified** (born so). Populated 2026-07-06 for the Systems room.*
**Universals (4):** 🟢 control loop (8) · 🟡 system (8) · 🟡 science (5) · 🟢 optimization (1)
**Enter by sign:** Systems Semiotic Gateway · Alphabetum · Icon Registry · ← Systems Portal
<!-- SEMIOTIC-PROFILE:END -->
## Wikipedia : Wikitube
**Strict pair:** [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Affect_control_theory) : [Wikitube](https://en.wikitube.io/wiki/Affect_control_theory)
## Previous hub tags
Tree parent: [[Systems_science]].
Legacy hubs: none.
---
*Sources: 1 legacy note. Minted wave 1, 2026-07-30 (v1.6 order).*