Psychological Distancing: Why Happiness Helps You See the Big Picture

11 Pages Posted: 1 Jul 2012

See all articles by Aparna A. Labroo

Aparna A. Labroo

University of Chicago

Vanessa Patrick

University of Houston - C.T. Bauer College of Business

Date Written: 2009

Abstract

We propose that a positive mood, by signaling that a situation is benign, might allow people to step back and take in the big picture. As a consequence, a positive mood might increase abstract construal and the adoption of abstract, future goals. In contrast, a negative mood, by signaling not only danger but also its imminence, might focus attention on immediate and proximal concerns and reduce the adoption of abstract, future goals.

Suggested Citation

Labroo, Aparna A. and Patrick, Vanessa, Psychological Distancing: Why Happiness Helps You See the Big Picture (2009). Journal of Consumer Research, Vol. 35, No. 5, 2009, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2086815

Aparna A. Labroo

University of Chicago ( email )

5807 S. Woodlawn Avenue
Chicago, IL 60637
United States

Vanessa Patrick (Contact Author)

University of Houston - C.T. Bauer College of Business ( email )

Houston, TX 77204-6021
United States

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