Effects of mood on behavior
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Mood and Behavioral Adjustment: Mood–Behavior Model Insights
Research shows that mood can influence behavior through two main processes: informational and directive effects. The informational effect means that mood changes how people judge situations and make decisions, which then leads to changes in their behavior. The directive effect means that mood can directly shape what people want to do, often pushing them toward activities that help them feel better. The strength of these effects depends on how much weight people give to their mood when making decisions and how strongly they want to regulate their feelings through their actions .
Positive and Negative Mood Effects on Activity Choices
Studies consistently find that people in a positive mood are more interested in social, prosocial, active, and leisure activities, while those in a negative or depressed mood show less interest in these activities and prefer being alone or engaging in passive behaviors like sitting and thinking. The expectation of positive outcomes and perceived energy levels are key factors that explain why mood affects interest in different behaviors 23. Positive mood also increases willingness to help others and engage in prosocial behaviors, especially in work settings, where it leads to more helpful actions and better customer service 38.
Mood’s Role in Social Perception and Memory
Mood not only affects what people do, but also how they interpret and remember social interactions. People in a positive or negative mood assess their own and others’ behaviors differently and recall social events in ways that match their current mood. This can influence social judgments and may play a role in social maladjustment or depression .
Mood and Consumer Behavior: Impulsivity and Decision-Making
Mood has a direct and indirect impact on consumer behavior. Positive mood increases impulsive buying, especially in online environments and when shopping for utilitarian products. People with low self-control or a high need for social approval are even more likely to make impulsive purchases when in a good mood. Mood also affects how consumers evaluate products and recall shopping experiences 46.
Mood Lighting and Environmental Influence
Environmental factors like lighting can shape mood, which in turn affects emotions and behavior. Different types of lighting (bright, warm, cool, colored) can create specific moods and influence how people act in a space. This is important for designers and architects who want to create environments that encourage certain behaviors or feelings .
Mood and Risk-Taking Behavior
The relationship between mood and risk-taking is complex. Some studies show that positive mood increases risk-taking, while others find that negative mood can have the same effect. Two main theories explain these findings: the Mood-Maintenance Hypothesis (people in a good mood take risks to maintain their mood) and the Affect Infusion Model (mood influences how people process information and make decisions). The overall evidence suggests that mood can both increase and decrease risk-taking, depending on the situation and individual differences .
Mood and Helping Behavior
Mood also affects helping behavior. In some cases, people in a negative mood are more likely to help others, especially if they feel responsible for the situation. However, this effect can vary depending on the context and the way responsibility is perceived .
Conclusion
Mood has a significant and wide-ranging impact on behavior, influencing everything from social interactions and helping others to consumer choices and risk-taking. Both positive and negative moods can shape what people do, how they judge situations, and how they remember events. Understanding these effects can help individuals and organizations create environments and experiences that encourage desired behaviors.
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