Study Wessman et al. (1960): study US 1957
- Public:
- Female college students, followed 6 weeks, Radcliffe, USA, 1957
- Sample:
- Respondents:
- N = 14
- Non Response:
- 44% dropouts
- Assessment:
-
Multiple assesment methods
Mood diary completed daily during 6 weeks and various tests
Correlate
- Authors's Label
- Real self descriptions
- Our Classification
-
-
- Remarks
- The group of Ss was divided in two according to their mean 'daily average mood'. The Q sort descriptions provided by the seven re- latively happy girls were compared with those of the seven relatively unhappy girls. Only significant discrepancies between the des- criptions of both groups were presented.
- Operationalization
- Content analysis of a 45-item Q sort, filled out both in extremely high and in extremely low moods for self-concept ('the most accurate picture of yourself as you really believe you are now').
Observed Relation with Happiness
In both high and low moods the happy girls
describe themselves as more friendly, socia-
ble, more willing to give of themselves to
others, and more interested in what others
have to offer.
The unhappy girls describe themselves as more
independent, self-sufficient and introspective
mic work
In both high and low moods the unhappy girls describe themselves as more critical, sophis-
ticated, interested in academic work and introspective.
The happy girls describe themselves as more
unorganized, tolerant and nervous. They are able to enjoy work without being preoccupied with it, and do not consider themselves sophisticated or poised.