Can positive affect “undo” negative affect? A longitudinal study of affect in studying

► We measured positive (PA) and negative affect (PA) in studying on two occasions 3 months apart. ► Time 1 PA prevented time 2 NA through the mediation of time 1 NA. ► For shorter follow-up, time 1 PA prevented time 2 NA through the mediation of time 2 PA. ► Time 1 PA did not directly prevent time 2 NA. ► The findings provide some support to the hypothesis that positive affect can undo negative affect.