Work

Mood Regulation in Real Time

Year: 2012

Type: article

Abstract: Mechanisms have been proposed to underlie differences between younger and older adults in real-time mood regulation, but these mechanisms have not yet been shown to predict mood outcomes. One such mechanism is age-related positivity effects in attention and memory. In this paper, I take one form of this possible mechanism -positive looking patterns - and consider whether 1) older adults prefer positive looking, and 2) positive looking helps older adults regulate their mood in real-time. Evidence is more consistent for the former than the latter. A similar exercise is needed for other possible forms (positive memory) and other possible mechanisms that may explain age differences in real-time mood regulation.

Source: Current Directions in Psychological Science

DOI: 10.1177/0963721412448651

Author: Derek M. Isaacowitz

Institution: Northeastern University

Language: English

Topic: Aging and Gerontology Research

Subfield: Neuropsychology and Physiological Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institute on Aging