Can experimentally induced mood affect optimism and pessimism scores?

Author(s): Dember, W. N., Schefft, B. K., Radenhausen, R. A.

Journal/Book: Curr Psychol. 1995; 14: Dept 3091, Rutgers-the State Univ of Nj, New Brunswick, NJ 08903. Transaction Period Consortium. 29-41.

Abstract: Subjects experienced one of three mood-induction procedures (music, video, or Velten; positive or negative valence) prior to responding to a recently developed instrument for measuring optimism and pessimism (O/P). Pre- and post-induction mood indices were also obtained via the MAACL-R and the Wessman-Ricks elation-depression measure. All three mood-induction procedures were effective in establishing the desired moods, with the video procedure the weakest. Music and Velten, but not video, affected optimism and pessimism scores, but for women only. The results suggest, contrary to a previous study, that the optimism/pessimism instrument is not impervious to momentary mood states, at least for women, thus somewhat reducing its temporal stability. By the same token, however, the results also lend support to the construct validity of the O/P instrument.

Note: Article WN Dember, Univ Cincinnati, Mcmicken Coll Arts & Sci, Dept Psychol, Dyer Hall, ml 0376, Cincinnati, OH 45221 USA

Keyword(s): DEMAND CHARACTERISTICS; INDUCTION PROCEDURES; MUSICAL PROCEDURES; DEPRESSED MOOD; VELTEN; SELF; MEMORY; STATES; ACCESSIBILITY

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