The effects of self-induced mood states on behavior and physiological arousal

The effects of reading emiotionally loaded statements on behavioral tasks and physiological measures were investigated. Statements were constructed to arouse elation depression, or neutrality. Ss were both pre- and posttested on Writing Speed, Reaction Time, Decision Time, and Spontaneous Verbaliza-tions. Base rates were obtained for heart rate and galvanic skin response. Elation Ss significantly outperformed both Neutral and Depression Ss on the Reaction Time task. Scores for Neutral Ss fell between those of Elation and Depression Ss on three of the four behavioral measures. No significant differences were found on the physiological measures.