Thinking and Emotion: Affective Modulation of Cognitive Processing Modes

Abstract

In this chapter, we review empirical findings showing that positive and negative affective states are accompanied by qualitatively different information- processing modes. Specifically, positive moods and emotions appear to be associated with a more flexible processing mode as indicated by a broadened scope of atten- tion, activation of weak or unusual associations, and facilitated switching between cognitive sets. We interpret these findings within a general theoretical framework according to which different modes of thinking serve complementary or even antagonistic adaptive functions in the planning and control of goal-directed action. In contrast to the widespread view that positive affect has exclusively beneficial consequences such as increased creativity and flexibility, we argue that different emotions and moods and the processing modes associated with them incur complementary costs and benefits. Thus, consistent with recent findings, positive and negative affect have advantages and disadvantages depending on the processing requirements of the to-be-performed task.