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Being in a negative mood at work may not be as detrimental as it seems. Recent studies suggest that bad moods can improve executive function, which encompasses abilities like focus, self-regulation, creative problem-solving, mental agility, and working memory. However, the impact might depend on how an individual processes emotions.
In a study published in Personality and Individual Differences, two psychologists from the University of Waterloo in Canada subjected over 90 undergraduate students to a series of tests assessing their working memory and inhibitory control, which are key aspects of executive function. They also administered several surveys to gauge the students' emotional responses and mood during the past week.
The researchers discovered that some individuals in mildly bad moods showed significant improvement in tasks measuring working memory and inhibition, but the benefit depended on how they processed emotions. Specifically, those with high emotional reactivity—people who are sensitive, react strongly to situations, and hold onto their feelings for long periods—performed better when in a bad mood. On the other hand, those with lower emotional reactivity performed worse on the tasks in a bad mood.
According to Tara McAuley, a psychology professor and one of the study's co-authors, "Our results indicate that for some individuals, a bad mood can sharpen the cognitive abilities needed in daily life," in a press statement. The reason why those with stronger emotional reactions experience this improvement, while those with milder emotions do not, remains unclear. One possibility is that people with high emotional reactivity are accustomed to intense emotions, making them less affected by negative moods. However, further research is needed to explore these factors.
