Two experiments examined the effects of induced moods on memory retrieval. In the first experiment, subjects read statements which induce temporary elation or depression and then recalled specific personal memories. Subjects in the elated condition rated their memories significantly more pleasant than subjects experiencing a depressed mood. In a second experiment, subjects who had read elated or depressed statements gave single-word associates to each of 15 stimulus words. The mean ratings for the associate words produced by subjects in the elated condition were significantly more pleasant than those from depressed subjects.

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Previous studies have shown that depressed persons make negative interpretations of social stimuli. In the present study normal undergraduates were exposed to elated or depressed mood-induction procedures and were asked to interpret drawings of social situations. Subjects rated their own stories on a pleasantness-unpleasantness scale. The stories were also transcribed and rated by independent judges. Both the ratings of judges and subjects differed for elated and depressed subjects. The data suggest that mood may alter social perceptions in important ways and that these effects can be observed in normal persons after a brief mood-altering experience. The results are related to cognitive theories of depression.