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The effect of statement valence and referent content upon mood and anagram performance

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Abstract

Beck argues that symptoms of clinical depression are mediated by negative self-evaluations. Laboratory research has shown that reading verbal statements can alter mood states. However, mood induction procedures have confounded affective content with referent content. Subjects read either positive, neutral, or negative statements with either self- or other referent content. Measures of anagram performance and mood were then obtained. The results showed no significant effects of verbal statements upon measures of anagram performance. Subjects in positive self-reference groups showed less depressed affect than those in neutral and negative self-referent groups. The neutral and negative self-referent groups did not differ. The data suggest that verbal mood induction produces “elation” rather than depression. The results are discussed in terms of Beck's cognitive theory of depression and learned helplessness.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Arkansas, 72701, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA

    Jerry R. Henderson & Jeffrey M. Lohr

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  1. Jerry R. Henderson
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  2. Jeffrey M. Lohr
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This study is based on a master's thesis conducted by the first author under the direction of the second author.

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Henderson, J.R., Lohr, J.M. The effect of statement valence and referent content upon mood and anagram performance. Cogn Ther Res 6, 461–464 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01184013

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