Mood convergence in dyads:Effects of valence and leadership

摘要

We examined the extent to which individuals' affective experiences are influenced during group interaction by examining whether negative or positive moods tend to become more similar or converge, and whether leader versus subordinate roles affect this process. Dyads completed a discussion task, and we manipulated each dyad member's mood (positive or negative) and role (leader or subordinate) prior to the task. Consistent with predictions derived from Spoor and Kelly (2004), negative moods showed stronger convergence than positive moods. Contrary to predictions, leaders' moods seemed to show more mood convergence than those of subordinates, although this may have been affected by both dyad members' greater attention to the leader's mood. Implications for group processes and group performance are discussed.