The effect of the film genre on mood : a quantitative study

Abstract

This research study explores the potential relationship between film genre and its ability to influence mood. The hypotheses were set to explore whether film or the specific film genre watched had the ability or lack thereof to influence mood in a positive or negative manner. A total of 68 participants were recruited from the University of Malta who completed a pre-test questionnaire, watched a film and then filled in a post-test questionnaire that measures their mood (Brief Mood Introspection Scale), demographics (gender and age) and other variables that may influence mood (previously seeing the film, genre preference). The film was either of the comedy genre or the psychological thriller (serious) genre. Individually, only the serious genre showed a significant mood change, as the participants showed a decrease in mood scores. The comparison between the mood change scores of both genres also proved significant. These findings suggest that films of a more serious genre have the ability to negatively affect a person's mood.