Effects of mood induction on ratings of self and experimenter

The relationship between depressed mood and subject's trait ratings of self and experimenter was examined. Mood was induced by having subjects (N = 31) view a depressing or control film. Subjects then rated themselves and the experimenter on personality traits related to supportiveness and general ability. Measurement of subject's mood indicated that the mood induction was effective. "Depressed" individuals rated themselves more negatively on the combined personality traits than did controls. "Depressed" individuals rated the experimenter more negatively for supportiveness traits, but slightly more positively for general ability traits than did control subjects. Results are discussed in terms of research on the effects of depression on self-devaluation and support seeking.