Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Degree

Master of Science

Program

Psychology

Supervisor

Dozois, David J. A.

Abstract

Mood Induction Procedures (MIPs) are used widely in cognitive vulnerability to depression research. Although research supports certain MIPs as effective, little research has validated the assumption that MIP-induced sad moods are sufficiently persistent. This study addressed three questions: How long does an MIP-induced mood last? What are the shapes of the trajectories of the mood effects? Do these trajectories differ by type of MIP? Four-hundred-and-one undergraduate students were randomly assigned to undergo one of three commonly used sad MIPs or a neutral MIP. Mood was repeatedly measured immediately prior to and following the MIP.Results did not support the widely held belief that commonly used MIPs induce a sufficient and persistent sad mood. Current theories of cognitive vulnerability may therefore be biased by empirical findings predicated on such assumptions. This study has profound implications for the validity of current conceptualizations of depression and recommendations for the treatment of this disorder.

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