Revisiting the restorative effects of positive mood: An expectancy-based approach to self-control restoration

The present research explored the empirical relation between positive mood and self-control restoration. In line with recent work on the perceptual correlates of self-control exertion, we tested whether positive mood's restorative effects could be partly attributable to expectancies of mental e...

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Veröffentlicht in:Journal of experimental social psychology 2015-03, Vol.57, p.87-99
Hauptverfasser: Egan, Patrick M., Clarkson, Joshua J., Hirt, Edward R.
Format: Artikel
Sprache:eng
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Zusammenfassung:The present research explored the empirical relation between positive mood and self-control restoration. In line with recent work on the perceptual correlates of self-control exertion, we tested whether positive mood's restorative effects could be partly attributable to expectancies of mental energy change. Results showed that positive mood elicited a general expectancy of mental energy restoration and that negative mood elicited a general expectancy of mental energy depletion. Furthermore, these expectancies were shown to alter perceptual and cognitive state in manners predictive of downstream self-control performance. Together, these results compliment emerging work on the importance of perceptual processes in the modulation of self-control performance, and warrant future work on the role of expectancies and subjective fatigue in self-regulatory pursuits. •Examined how expectancies affect the relationship between mood and self-control.•Found association between positive mood and expectancies of mental restoration.•Found idiosyncratic expectancies mediate the effect of mood on perceived depletion.•Manipulated expectancies moderated mood’s conventional influence on self-control.•Expectancies of mental energy change are central in mood’s self-control influence.
ISSN:0022-1031
1096-0465
DOI:10.1016/j.jesp.2014.11.006