When a person is happy or sad, do they perceive others similarly? This study examined that question by testing the correlation between people’s current mood (happy or sad) and their perception of others as portrayed in photographs. Each participant viewed 20 pictures (an anonymous mix of male and female portraits with relatively neutral expressions) and rated each portrayed individual on 5 dimensions (happiness, attractiveness, friendliness, mental health, and relationship status). Following picture viewing, participants completed the Depression/Happiness Scale (DHS), a state-oriented measure of mood. Reported data analysis will focus on testing among three hypotheses: (1) perception of others’ emotions is congruent with one’s own emotions; (2) the opposite of, or in contrast with one’s own emotional state; or (3) stronger emotions on the observer’s part, either positive or negative, creates the attribution of stronger emotions to others.
