Effects of Positive Emotions on Theory of Mind: Positive Emotions may Increase both Accurate Perceptions of Others and Cooperation

Abstract

The function of positive emotions is an emerging field in psychology. The purpose of this study was to increase knowledge of the functions of positive emtoions. The first hypothesis is that positive emotions increase theory of mind; the second hypothesis is that positive emotions increase cooperation. These hypotheses was influenced by previous research that found positive emotions increase empathy, external attention, and mindfulness of others’ mental states. Participants were tested on their empathy, theory of mind, and cooperation. The positive emotion group was predicted to score higher than the neutral emotion group on the theory of mind and cooperation assessments. Positive emotions did not have a significant relationship with theory of mind; but positive emotions significantly increased cooperation.