Moods as multiple-object directed and as objectless affective states: An examination of the dispositional theory of moods

Abstract

The studies reported here test one theory that seeks to explain the difference between moods and emotions: The dispositional theory of moods. This theory assumes that moods consist, at least in essential part, of temporary dispositions to have particular kinds of emotion-relevant appraisals (i.e., appraisal-dispositions). The theory assumes that in contrast to object-specific emotions, moods are either experienced as directed at multiple objects or exist as objectless background dispositions. Two studies were conducted that tested several predictions of the dispositional theory of moods. Study 1 used an autobiographical recollection method. Participants recalled episodes of anger, anxiety, or sadness characterised by varying degrees of object-specificity (directed at a specific object vs. at multiple objects) and rated the episodes on several scales. Study 2 used a diary method in which participants used the same and additional scales to describe their momentary feelings of anger, anxiety, or sadness, at different times of the day. Reported feelings were classified as object-specific, objectless, or multiple-object directed. The results support the dispositional theory of moods.