According to new research, being in a bad mood has its benefits.
The University of New South Wales study has found that being grumpy makes us better at decision-making, less gullible, improves our ability to judge others and boosts our memory.
Bad moods
- More attentive, careful thinking paying greater attention to the external world.
- Encourages information processing strategies suited to dealing with demanding situations.
- You become less likely to make spur-of-the-moment decisions based on racial or religious prejudices.
- You’re less likely to make mistakes when asked to recall a witnessed event.
- You are more capable of stating your case through written arguments.
- Bad moods promote a more successful communication style.
- You become less prone to judgmental errors.
- You’re more resistant to eyewitness distortions.
- You’re produce higher quality persuasive messages.
Of course there’s nothing wrong with being in a good mood, for the obvious reasons. But did you know that feeling good promotes creativity, flexibility, cooperation, and reliance on mental shortcuts? Good or bad mood? It’s a win-win situation, really!
