SELF-REGULATION OF MOOD - STRATEGIES FOR CHANGING A BAD MOOD, RAISINGENERGY, AND REDUCING TENSION

Four studies evaluated the success of behaviors and strategies used to self-regulate bad moods, raise energy, and reduce tension. Study 1 (N = 102) used an open-ended questionnaire to identify behavioral catego ries. Studies 2 and 4 surveyed a representative sample (N = 308) with a fixed-response questionnaire to quantify behaviors, general strategi es, and individual differences. Study 3 used psychotherapist (N = 26) judgments of the likely success of the strategies. Therapist and self- rating converged on success of strategies and gender differences. Thes e studies clarify and confirm previous research findings, particularly gender differences in controlling depression. Exercise appears to be the most effective mood-regulating behavior, and the best general stra tegy to change a bad mood is a combination of relaxation, stress manag ement, cognitive, and exercise techniques. Results support a 2-dimensi onal biopsychological model of mood.