Mood change in a stressful exam situation: The modifying role of temperament and motivational tendencies

The study analyzing mood change in an examination stress setting and the effect of temperament and motivational tendencies on mood change was conducted. Mood was measured twice, before and after the exam. The study revealed a change in each mood dimension: increased hedonic tone and energetic arousal, and reduced tense arousal after the exam. The change of hedonic was modified by two temperament traits (emotional reactivity and perseveration), whereas the change of energetic arousal was modified by the aversive motivational tendencies. Contrary to expectations, no effect of temperament traits on the change of tense arousal was found. The results are discussed in the context of the Regulative Theory of Temperament and with reference to previous research in this area.

► Hedonic tone and energetic arousal increase after exam.
► Tense arousal decreases after exam.
► Change of hedonic is modified by temperament traits.
► Change of energetic arousal is modified by the aversive motivational tendencies.
► No effect of temperament traits on the change of tense arousal is found.