Induced mood and curiosity

Abstract

It has been suggested that a decline in curiosity is one characteristic manifested by depressed individuals. However, no experimental research has examined the relationship between depression and curiosity. In this study, the Velten mood induction procedure was utilized to examine the relationship between curiosity and affect, and to investigate the effects of induced mood on ratings of surprise, perceived value of information, and desire for additional knowledge. A total of 39 female and 21 male undergraduates were randomly assigned to one of three mood conditions: a depression mood condition, an elation mood condition, or a neutral mood condition. Results indicated that subjects made temporarily depressed reported significantly less state curiosity, perceived value of information, and desire for additional knowledge than elated or neutral subjects. Implications of these findings are discussed. © 1987 Plenum Publishing Corporation.