EFFECTS OF EMOTION AND MOTIVATION IN AN A FFILIATION CONFLICT

The present study investigated the influence of induced mood (happy vs . sad) and the affiliation motive (hope of affiliation vs. fear of rej ection) on cognitions and physiological reactions during the presentat ion of a social scenario. This scenario depicted the temporal approach to and finally the unexpected termination of a social interaction. Ha ppy and sad moods were induced successfully, as indicated by self-repo rt measures and physiological variables. Participants high in fear of rejection were more anxious and tensed immediately before the desired social interaction. In addition, they showed a higher level of physiol ogical arousal. The unexpected termination of the social interaction a t the end of the scenario had a strong negative effect on participants high in fear of rejection if they were in a happy mood. Thus, in this case an incongruence between the dominant motive and the actual emoti onal state led to emotional impairment. The results are discussed on t he basis of motivational conflict theory and of learned helplessness.