We explain how your emotional background noise works.
In this article we talk about moods, their characteristics and the factors that modulate them, as well as the types of moods that are used and how they can cause problems if they are intensified.
What is a mood?
Moods are part of our subjective experience, just like emotions. Both are sensations that our body generates in response to certain stimuli and environmental factors, but emotions have a more transitory nature , they occur and fade quickly.
Moods are maintained over time, influencing our behavior and way of thinking . These, in turn, are influenced by our biological needs and characteristics, such as nutrition, sleep, physical activity or stress level. They can last for minutes, but they can also last for hours, weeks, or even longer.
According to expert scientists such as Robert E. Thayer, it is a kind of “white noise” , which we experience in relation to a series of internal and external factors, according to two systems of subjective biological arousal, two mood variables to which referred to as stress level and energy level.
What types exist?
There are a multitude of moods, as they are caused by a complicated combination of factors. The majority of the population is in a “normal” state of mind -in the sense of not causing problems for the person’s life-, called euthymic .
It is a calm, low-intensity state of mind, characterized by not being particularly elevated or depressed. It is found on a spectrum between two extremes, dysthymia – mood depression – and hyperthymia, mood activation
According to current scientific theories, states depend on the interaction of two biological emotional response systems . On the one hand there would be the one in charge of generating tension, on the other hand there would be the one in charge of generating energy. These would go respectively from tense to relaxed, from active to tired and vice-versa .
This generates several combinations depending on the state of each of the mood variables that, as we have previously mentioned, depend on psychophysiological factors such as hunger or stress. We can explain them around 4 states of mind that fluctuate :
1. Calm-Active
The calm-active mood is considered one of the most beneficial and pleasant. It is optimal for maintaining productive activity and usually occurs in the morning, in part due to the action of circadian cycles, which affect our emotional state.
2. Calm-tired
The state of calm and tiredness is related to relaxation. It is how we feel especially at night, before sleeping. The point of “zero energy, zero tension” would be the one we reach just before sleep.
3. Tense-Active
This state is also characterized by high productivity, but at the same time by nervousness and urgency, also manifested at a physiological level, for example in cardiac activity or the release of hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, related to stress.
4. Tense-Tired
The state of tension and fatigue is common when our energies are very low. The physical state is affected or exhausted, which generates negative emotions and nervousness. It is promoted by sunset.
pathological moods
Mood swings are natural, they occur constantly in relation to our life. Although they condition us, their intensity is not a problem for the general population , but it is for those who experience them more intensely.
When these states of mind are “radicalized” , they begin to affect the normal functioning of the individual, sometimes in a pathological way, both in terms of their emotions and their social interactions.
An excessively elevated state, beyond hyperthymia, is considered a state of mania. On the contrary, an excessively dysthymic state can end up leading to depressive moods. These types of moods are associated with psychological and psychiatric illnesses, such as depression or bipolar disorder.
Depression
Depression is a mental disorder that causes a low, unhappy mood . The duration and intensity of emotions increase in relation to negative stimuli. That is, an intensification of feelings of sadness.
The causes of depression are various, but its physiological explanation is not yet solidly defined, nor are its causes. People with chronic depressive feelings often have genetic factors that predispose them to these symptoms, such as mutations in important neurotransmitter receptors -for example, serotonin receptors- .
Mania
Mania refers to an excessively high state of euphoric feelings or irritability – with a tendency to irritability in the face of negative stimuli. In extreme cases, states of mania can cause hallucinations or delusions, but it is characterized by excitement, racing thoughts, hyperempathy, and talkativeness.
Manic states can be used positively, as shown by some actors and artists – for example, Stephen Fry -, but they can also be incredibly destructive , as people in episodes of mania tend to be unable to control their excessive energy.
Other associated pathologies
Mood lability, also known as mood or emotional instability , is relatively common. It is an important part of various psychiatric disorders, affecting approximately 14% of the population.
The vast majority of people with mood instability is related to depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders. They are also an important part of the symptoms with disorders such as bipolar disorder, some cases of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or addictions.
Bibliographic references
- Thayer, R. (1990). The Biopsychology of Mood and Arousal. Philpapers.org.
- Dysthymia: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. (2018) Borderline Disorder.com
- Broome, M., Saunders, K., Harrison, P., & Marwaha, S. (2015). Mood instability: Significance, definition and measurement. British Journal Of Psychiatry, 207(4), 283-285. doi:10.1192/bjp.bp.114.158543
To the classic question “what do you do?” I always answer “basically I am a psychologist”. In fact, my academic training has revolved around the psychology of development, education and community, a field of study influenced my volunteer activities, as well as my first work experiences in personal services.
