Experimental inductions of emotional states and their effectiveness: A review

Several procedures for the experimental induction of mood states have been developed. This paper reviews nearly 250 studies from the last 10 years which concern mood induction procedures. A classification system is introduced. According to the stimuli used to influence subjects, five groups of mood induction procedures (MIPs) are differentiated. The effectiveness of MIPs is analysed and compared. The Film/Story MIP and the Gift MIP proved to be highly effective in inducing elation. For the induction of depression, the Imagination MIP, the Velten MIP, the Film/Story MIP and the Success/Failure MIP can be recommended.