Relations of social cognition with affective states: Insights from an expanded 2650-word database on warmth and competence

Behav Res Methods. 2026 Jul 7;58(8):223. doi: 10.3758/s13428-026-03085-y.

ABSTRACT

We expanded an existing database of affectively charged words by adding ratings of warmth and competence. We also examined the relationships between these two dimensions and previously established ones - positivity, negativity, automaticity, reflectiveness, arousal, and subjective significance. In this study, 948 participants evaluated 2650 words on warmth and competence using a modified version of the Self-Assessment Manikin scale. This allowed us to obtain ratings of perceived warmth and competence for each word. We also identified the type, direction, and strength of the relationships between warmth and competence and each affective dimension. The results provide a detailed mapping of these associations, and the database may serve as a valuable resource for future research. The findings, possible usage of our database, and limitations are discussed.

PMID:42414842 | PMC:PMC13341888 | DOI:10.3758/s13428-026-03085-y