The Effects of Mood Valence and Mood Arousal on False Memory

Abstract

False memory, remembering things that did not actually happen, often occurs in our everyday life. Mood is one factor that affects the formation of false memory. This study aims to examine the influence of two dimensions of mood (i.e., mood valence and mood arousal) on false memory. 42 college students in emerging adulthood age participated in the study. The study used a 2 (mood valence) x 2 (mood arousal) experimental design and was analyzed using Chi-square. Participants’ mood valence and mood arousal were manipulated using Indonesian film footages to elicit four different moods that represent the two dimensions of mood, i.e. happy, sad, serene, and fear. False memory is measured using DRM Paradigm. The result suggests no influence of mood valence and mood arousal on the formation of false memory in emerging adulthood.