Mood as Information: The Regulatory Role of Personality

Abstract

“According to the mood-as-input model (Martin, 2001), moods operate much like any other piece of information. They serve as input in a configural processing system. Moods are processed in parallel with the target and contextual information in such a way that the meaning of the mood influences and is influenced by the meaning of other information. It is possible for either negative or positive feelings to convey either negative or positive evaluative and motivational implications, the nature of which depends on the context. Hence, the influence of mood on one’s evaluations, motivations, and behaviors depends on the interaction of mood and situational conditions (which is the so-called context-dependent effect of mood), suggesting, for example, that the relation between the mood and the way of processing information (systematic vs. heuristic) differs depending on the interaction of mood and the context of the task. Current research conducted in the frame of the mood-as-input model has generally ignored the modifying role of personality in the informative function of mood. The question: “Is the context-dependent effect of mood a general phenomenon or an interindividual diverse (i.e., depending on stable personality traits)?” still remains unanswered. This chapter aims, by referring to new research, to contribute an answer.” (Marszał-Wiśniewska & Zajusz, 2010, Chapter Summary)