PSYCHOLOGY MASTER'S THESIS ABSTRACT

Michael T. Rothman

MA-Research
August 2003

The Relationship Between Individual Difference Variables and Mood Regulation

    The present study expanded on previous studies of mood regulation through examining the associations between several individual difference variables and the use of mood-regulation strategies.  An undergraduate sample completed measures of neuroticism, extraversion, locus of control, and depression in addition to a questionnaire regarding their mood-regulation tendencies.

    The data was analyzed with the goal of answering the following questions: Can gender, extraversion, neuroticism, locus of control, or depressive symptomatology predict (a) the frequency of experiencing bad moods? (b) the frequency of attempting to change bad moods (mood regulation)? (c) the total number of unique mood-regulation strategies employed? and (d) the specific mood-regulation strategies employed?

    Depression, neuroticism, and extraversion significantly predicted the frequency of experiencing bad moods.  Extraversion and neuroticism predicted the frequency of mood-regulation, and together with gender and depression were significant predictors of specific mood-regulation strategies.  Suggestions for future research in this area are presented.

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