The influence of thought on emotion was studied by assessing athletes' reactions to being among the medal winners in the 1992 Olympics. The results showed that:
A) third-place winners were happier than second-place winners.
B) second-place winners were happier than third-place winners.
C) there were no significant differences in happiness between third-place and second-place winners.
D) second-place winners showed an increase in positive emotions, but third-place winners showed a decrease.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Athletes who won third place were generally happier than those who won second place, likely because third-place winners compared themselves to those who didn't win a medal at all, while second-place winners compared themselves to the gold medalists, focusing on what they almost achieved but didn't.

The Influence of Thought on Emotion Was Studied by Assessing