# Information-Theoretic Free Energy as Emotion Potential: Emotional Valence as a Function of Complexity and Novelty

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2003.10073 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2003.10073/

## Key facts

- Cited by 5 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 23 Mar 2020.

## Built on by (most cited first, 5 of 5)

- [Free energy model of emotional valence in dual-process perceptions](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2210.10262/) (2022)
- [Modeling arousal potential of epistemic emotions using Bayesian information gain: Inquiry cycle driven by free energy fluctuations](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2401.00007/) (2023)
- [Modeling Task Immersion based on Goal Activation Mechanism](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2412.05112/) (2024)
- [Free Energy-Based Modeling of Emotional Dynamics in Video Advertisements](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2601.00812/) (2025)
- [Bayesian Expected Uncertainty Reduction (B-EUR) Model: A Computational Account of What Makes Design Options Worth Trying](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2608.05642/) (2026)

## Abstract (arXiv)

This study extends the mathematical model of emotion dimensions that we previously proposed (Yanagisawa, et al. 2019, Front Comput Neurosci) to consider perceived complexity as well as novelty, as a source of arousal potential. Berlyne's hedonic function of arousal potential (or the inverse U-shaped curve, the so-called Wundt curve) is assumed. We modeled the arousal potential as information contents to be processed in the brain after sensory stimuli are perceived (or recognized), which we termed sensory surprisal. We mathematically demonstrated that sensory surprisal represents free energy, and it is equivalent to a summation of information gain (or information from novelty) and perceived complexity (or information from complexity), which are the collative variables forming the arousal potential. We demonstrated empirical evidence with visual stimuli (profile shapes of butterfly) supporting the hypothesis that the summation of perceived novelty and complexity shapes the inverse U-shaped beauty function. We discussed the potential of free energy as a mathematical principle explaining emotion initiators.