Imagine that your boss has just told you how disappointed he is at your performance over the past few weeks,and warns you to improve your performance.As you sadly walk home,a reasonably well-dressed homeless man and his child ask you if there is any work they can do for a few dollars.They don't look dangerous,and your lawn needs to be cut.According to the mood management hypothesis,
A) although you generally would be likely to help these people, you would be reluctant to do so today because of your sad mood.
B) you would be reluctant to help these people because they are not similar to you.
C) you would be likely to help these people because the sad mood will create a "we" connection between you and the homeless man.
D) you would be likely to help in order to relieve your sadness.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The mood management hypothesis predicts that individuals will engage in behavior that alleviates or enhances their current mood states. Given that the individual is feeling sad after receiving criticism from their boss, they may be motivated to engage in behavior that will improve their mood. Helping the homeless man and his child by offering them work and a few dollars may provide a sense of purpose and alleviate the individual's sadness, thus making them likely to help.

Imagine That Your Boss Has Just Told You How Disappointed