CHANGES IN PERSONAL STANDARDS AND DYSPHORIA - A LONGITUDINAL APPROACH

Two studies, based upon discrepancy theories of emotion and depression, investigated the roles that changes in personal standards play in subsequent depressive affect. Undergraduates were studied at the time of a midterm examination. Changes in performance standards from before to after the exam were used to predict subsequent depressive affect. In neither study did changes in standards predict affect immediately upon grade receipt. In both studies, changes in standards did predict affect 5-7 days later. Contrary to the hypothesis, for subjects who had performed poorly, lowered standards predicted increased dysphoria after 5-7 days. However, for subjects who performed well, lowered standards predicted positive delayed affect. Processes by which decreased standards might lead to either increased or decreased depressive affect are discussed. The results highlight the importance of studying standards as dynamic rather than static entities and of following the entire time course of affective reaction to stressful events. © 1991 Plenum Publishing Corporation.