Recalling Mixed Emotions
35 Pages Posted: 14 Jan 2008
Abstract
In two longitudinal experiments, conducted both in the field and lab, we investigate the recollection of mixed emotions. Results demonstrate that the intensity of mixed emotions are generally underestimated at the time of recall - an effect which appears to increase over time and does not occur to the same degree with unipolar emotions. Importantly, the decline in memory of mixed emotions is distinct from the pattern found for the memory of negative emotions, implying that the recall bias is diagnostic of the complexity of mixed emotions rather than of any association with negative affect. Finally, these effects appear to be driven by felt conflict which arises when experiencing mixed (vs. unipolar) emotions. Implications for consumer memory and behavior are discussed.
Keywords: Emotions, Mixed Emotions, Memory
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation