Mood and performance: test of a conceptual model with a focus on depressed mood

Abstract

Objectives. The present study tested a conceptual model of mood–performance relationships (J. Appl. Sport Psychol. 12 (2000) 16) which proposed that depressed mood would influence the intensity and inter-relationships of other mood responses, and moderate the anger–performance and tension–performance relationships. Design. To promote ecological validity, the model was tested in a field setting using a cross-sectional design. Methods. A sample of 451 schoolchildren [age: MEAN=12.4 years, standard deviation (SD)=1.3 years] completed the Profile of Mood States — Adolescents (POMS-A; J. Sports Sci. 17 (1999) 861) and stated a performance goal, approximately 10 minutes before a running event. Participants were divided into a depressed mood group (n=273) and a no-depression group (n=178) on the basis of responses to the POMS-A depression subscale. Results. As hypothesised, the depressed mood group reported higher scores for anger, confusion, fatigue and tension, and lower scores for vigour. Inter-correlations among these mood dimensions were stronger in the depressed mood group, who set easier goals and performed less well. Vigour was associated with facilitated performance regardless of depression. Anger was associated with debilitated performance in the depressed mood group and with facilitated performance in the no-depression group. Some support was shown for a moderating effect of depressed mood on the tension–performance relationship. The hypothesised curvilinear anger–performance and tension–performance relationships in the no-depression group did not emerge. Conclusion. The Lane and Terry model was generally, but not totally, supported. Future research should continue to investigate the mechanisms underlying mood–performance relationships.