On feeling good and getting your way: mood effects on negotiator cognition and bargaining strategies

J Pers Soc Psychol. 1998 Mar;74(3):565-77. doi: 10.1037//0022-3514.74.3.565.

Abstract

Are happy people more likely to be cooperative and successful negotiators? On the basis of the Affect Infusion Model (AIM; Forgas, 1995a). Experiment 1 predicted and found that both good and bad moods had a significant mood-congruent effect on people's thoughts and plans, and on their negotiation strategies and outcomes in both interpersonal and intergroup bargaining. Experiment 2 replicated these results and also showed that mood effects were reduced for persons more likely to adopt motivated processing strategies (scoring high on machiavellianism and need for approval). Experiment 3 confirmed these effects and demonstrated that the mood of the opposition also produced more mood-congruent bargaining strategies and outcomes. The results are discussed in terms of affect priming influences on interpersonal behaviors, and the implications of these findings for real-life cognitive tasks and bargaining encounters are considered.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Affect*
  • Cognition*
  • Female
  • Group Processes
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations*
  • Male
  • Models, Psychological
  • Negotiating*