The Moody Blues: An Examination of Affective State and Coping Tendency on Music Choices

• In Event: ICA Plenary Interactive Paper/Poster Session III
  In Interactive Paper Session: Mass Communication Interactive Poster Session

Abstract

Mood management theory is based on a hedonic premise, which posits that positive and uplifting entertainment will be selected in neglect of negative content. A competing hypothesis, mood congruency states that individuals select media that reflect their current state. This study surveyed young adults (N = 130) to test whether coping tendency was an explanatory factor in the discrepancy between the two theories. Results showed that those with a tendency to avoidance cope were more likely to follow the hedonic premise of mood management when making music choices, when they were in a less positive mood state. Those with a low affinity towards avoidance coping chose music that reflected their current state. Implications and future research directions are discussed.

Authors

• Elise M. Stevens, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill

• Francesca Renee Dillman Carpentier, U of North Carolina - Chapel Hill