The effects of written autobiographical recollection induction procedures on mood

This study assessed the effects of group induction procedures that are practical in their administration (written format) and also individualized. Fifty-four females and 36 males were assigned randomly to one of three conditions. Conditions One and Two consisted of subjects being asked to think of the two saddest or two happiest events of their lives, respectively. Condition Three consisted of a control condition in which subjects were asked to read a geography article. The procedure produced marked decreases in depression (p < .001) and anxiety (p = .001) as mood states in Condition One (happy events) and marked increases in depression (p < .001) and anxiety (p < .001) in Condition Two (sad events). These procedures are particularly suitable for mood induction in a group setting.