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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.
Elise M. Stevens, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Francesca Renee Dillman Carpentier, U of North Carolina - Chapel Hill