DAILY MOOD STATES AND AMBULATORY BLOOD-PRESSURE

In this study, we examined relationships between moods and both ambula tory blood pressure and heart rate in 197 men and women college studen ts. Participants who reported frequently feeling angry during the day had higher levels of blood pressure, especially diastolic pressure dur ing sleep. Reports of sad feelings were positively correlated and repo rts of pleasant or happy were negatively correlated with diastolic pre ssure during sleep. Participants scoring high on hostility and anxiety trait measures and low on defensiveness reported negative moods more frequently. Cluster analysis identified different mood profiles. Parti cipants characterized by reports of all negative moods plus anger had high scores on trait hostility and consistently higher levels of blood pressure, particularly diastolic pressure during sleep. Heart rate wa s not related to mood reports. Hostile and anxious behavioral disposit ions may play a role in sleep disturbance and high levels of blood pre ssure. Positive moods may counter these effects.