The influence of lifelong learning on mood

Authors

Patricia M. Simone, Santa Clara UniversityFollow
Amie L. Haas

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Fall 2007

Publisher

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

Abstract

Mood state was assessed both before and after four different two-hour classes in the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Santa Clara University with the self-report Profile of Mood States-Brief Form (POMS-BF) developed by McNair, Lorr, and Droppleman (1992). Sixty-eight students (60% women), ages 49 to 92, filled in the 5-point mood assessment survey rating how they felt at that moment prior to the start of class and again two hours later, at the end of class. At the start of class these students reported very low levels of negative affect (tension, anger, depression, confusion, fatigue). Following the two-hour Osher class students felt even less angry, less tense, and less depressed than they were before the class. These results are discussed in relation to mood regulation and the detrimental impact of negative affect on cognition (e.g., Wilson, Mendes de Leon, Bennett, Bienias, Evans, 2004).

Comments

Copyright © 2007 Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. Reprinted with permission.

Recommended Citation

Simone, P.M., & Haas, A. (2007). The influence of lifelong learning on mood. LLI Review, 2, 36-42.