| Summary: | Thesis (M.Sc.)--Memorial University of Newfoundland, 1989. Psychology Bibliography: leaves 64-79. A controlled pre-post mixed effects design was used to test whether happiness may be defined as a single- or multi-factor structure. The first hypothesis tested was that older cohorts would demonstrate a greater level of happiness than younger cohorts. Secondly, it was hypothesized that only the short-term measures would react to mood induction procedures. Thirdly, it was proposed that a Velten + music induction procedure would prove superior to a Velten only procedure, since the additional component might enhance the induction effect. One hundred and twenty persons representing three age groups, young (20-34 years), middle-aged (40-54 years), and old (60-74 years) served as subjects. -- Subjects were randomly assigned to one of four conditions: (a) Velten + music positive, (b) Velten + music negative, (c) Velten only positive, and (d) Velten only negative. An equal number of males and females were maintained within conditions. In all conditions the subject's mood was assessed before and after the mood induction procedure. Results failed to support the first and third hypotheses. However, the second hypothesis was supported. In addition, the positive and negative induction procedures were found to affect the positive experience and negative experience disposition measures on the Memorial University of Newfoundland Happiness Scale while the Satisfaction with Life Scale remained entirely unaffected. The results are discussed with reference to a mood congruent recall theory of affect.
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