| Most studies concerned with mood regulation have focused on why individuals repair moods (e.g., hedonism), but not how (Forgas, 2000). In a review of control theory, Larsen (2000) reported a “taxonomy of acts nominated for repairing negative moods” (p. 135). He indicates that individuals have two options for mood repair: (a) behavioral strategies and (b) cognitive strategies. In addition, these strategies either (a) focus on the situation or (b) focus on the mood itself. In sum, there are four options for mood regulation: (a) behavioral strategies that focus on the situation (e.g., problem-directed action, talking to a friend, or withdrawal), (b) behavioral strategies that focus on the mood itself (e.g., distraction, help others, or exercise), (c) cognitive strategies that focus on the situation (e.g., cognitive reframing, praying, or downward social comparison), or (d) cognitive strategies that focus on the mood itself (e.g., relaxation, intellectualize, or daydreaming). This study examined cognitive strategies that focus on four negative moods: Fear, Guilt, Hostility, and Sadness.; Concomitant time series analysis was used to examine both the hedonistic assumption (i.e., why) and the regulatory assumption (i.e., how) of control theory by examining the temporal relations between four negative moods (i.e., Fear, Guilt, Hostility, and Sadness) and (a) mood evaluation (i.e., acceptance-rejection) and (b) mood regulation (i.e., Mood Maintenance and Mood Repair). Over the course of 98 consecutive evenings, ten participants completed the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule Expanded Form (PANAS-X; Watson & Clark, 1994) and the Thinking about Mood Inventory (Mayer & Stevens, 1994). Examination of results revealed consistent negative relations across participants between all four negative moods and Mood Acceptance, indicating that individuals are motivated to reject negative mood states. In addition, consistent negative relations occurred across participants between all four negative moods and Mood Maintenance. However, case-by-case examination revealed idiosyncrasies in the manner in which individuals regulate negative mood states. Some participants elected to use cognitive strategies to repair negative moods whereas others did not. These idiosyncrasies demonstrate the need to conduct additional research on methods of mood regulation (e.g., behavioral mood repair) or specific moderating/mediating factors of mood repair. |
