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Press Release
Being in a good mood may lead to poor memory


Thanks to University of Missouri-Columbia for this article.

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Comments
Lisette H.

Guest Comment
Thu, Mar 31, 2011, 12:25 pm CDT

Wow, I have so many thoughts about the implications of this finding.  First off, hooray for any conclusive research that could improve our classroom settings.  In order for us to become evolutionarily competitive, we need to start altering the mode in which our children are learning.  If we can somehow understand how to teach children important information through the adjustment of the mood in the classroom (ie: dimmer lights, breathing exercises before class, deeper tones or music in the background), they will retain information so much more effectively!  Opposite to that would be, if we provide an upbeat atmosphere, creativity will soar (if that is the goal of course). Secondly, with regards to mental health, for those with mood disorders, I often find they are very intelligent and this finding would absolutely conclude as to why.  As a worker in the mental health field and have noticed that many with mood disorders, although they, perhaps have a chemical imbalance, can also sometimes choose to be moody, and maybe for good reason?  Could it be to subconsciously overcome the poor memory associated with being in a good mood?  If so, this would imply that moodiness is a learned behavior (that which can be unlearned); a very very exciting revelation for the mental health world!  Thirdly, with regards to relationships, for those who find themselves often in a bad mood around their partner, it may again, be a learned trait in order to maintain their level of power or control over their own mind and memory.  As we know for many, loss of power in a relationship is a deep-rooted fear. Education of these findings to those would help couples work through each other's short-comings perhaps.

Thank you for this article/study and continued advancement into understanding the human mind. I have been waiting for a study like this to come about!

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