Individual differences in energy-tension cycle and self-regulation of mood

Abstract

The theory of mood proposed by Thayer is examined in a sample of Spanish psychology students (N = 176). Results showed the existence of a circadian pattern of energy and tension levels, individual differences, such as gender, circadian type (morningness or eveningness), and some possible cross-cultural differences, though energy levels in American and Spanish samples were similar. Data also indicated differences in the assessment and interpretation of personal problems in relation to mood: according to energy level and mood, everyday problems and stress situations are interpreted in different ways. Finally, the results showed different manners in which people regulate mood. Implications for intervention and future research are discussed.

Mood Influences the Perception of the Sitting Affordance

“…A first probable explanation, based on mood self-regulation and embodiment of the body's energy level by the visual system, could explain the mood influence obtained in Experiment 2. Several studies have shown that participants in a joyful or sad mood make an effort to self-regulate their mood: Those who are sad in order to improve their mood (Garrosa et al, 2008;Isen, 1985;Thayer et al, 1994) and those who are joyful in order to maintain their mood (Wegener & Petty, 1994) or to reach neutrality (Erber & Erber, 2000;Erber & Tesser, 1992;Martin & Tesser, 1996). In a series of 9 experiments, Gailliot et al (2007) showed that self-regulatory effort caused a decrease in the body's energy level (i.e., decrease in blood glucose level).…”

Food and Mood: Exploring the determinants of food choices and the effects of food consumption on mood among women in Inner London.

“…Positive affect has been linked to social experiences of eating while isolated consumption has been associated with loneliness and comfort eating (Oxford Economics and the National Centre for Social Research, 2018;Locher et al, 2005). Low mood is also closely linked to low energy and tiredness (Garrosa et al, 2008), prompting food selections to provide 'highs', thereby implicating cravings for foods that stimulate mood activating dopamine neurons of addiction and reward (De Macedo et al, 2016). Active pleasure-seeking behaviours to reduce negative states (Freud, 1920) or avoidance distraction (Spoor et al, 2017) can fuel unconscious and conscious eating patterns to mitigate negative affect, and often involve sweet or fatty products (Evers et al, 2010;Tomiyama et al, 2011).…”