Effect of negative mood on working memory in 3 to 5 year old pre-schoolers.

Abstract

This study examined the effects of negative mood and comparison mood manipulation on executive functions and working memory exhibited by preschoolers (3-5 years old) in the Self-Order Pointing Task (SOPT). The study analysed a) reaction time taken; b) accuracy ; and c) number of errors (content, CP and preservation, LP errors) made on the SOPT before and after mood manipulation. Preschoolers also engaged in the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT), Dimensional Change Card Sort (DCCS) and Digit and Block Span tasks. The findings did not give support to our main hypothesis, as results showed that there was no significant difference in reaction time between negative and neutral mood manipulated group in the SOPT, but additional insights were revealed.