Are Mood States Bipolar?

Abstract

Aims were (a) to test whether or not mood state factors are bipolar when response styles are controlled, and (b) to test whether the mood states conform to a circular order Intensity ratings were collected from 204 college students on a 63-adjective scale defining nine moods. Another sample of 127 rated their moods on modified four-category certainty scales. Factor analyses of the 63 adjective correlations disclosed seven monopolar factors. When acquiscence was controlled, the analysis yielded four bipolar and one monopolar mood states. The analyses of the data collected on the modified ratings form, which minimized response bias, disclosed three bipolar moods (composed-anxious, energetic-tired, agreeable-grouchy) and two monopolar states (cheerful and dejected). The hypothesis of a circular order of mood states received some support.