We all experience moods and emotions differently. For most people, positive moods are somewhat more common than negative moods. Indeed, research finds a positivity offset, meaning when nothing in particular is going on, most individuals experience a mildly positive mood. Another research finding is that negative emotions lead to negative moods. Perhaps this happens because people think about events that created strong negative emotions five times as long as events that created strong positive ones.

People in most cultures appear to experience certain positive and negative emotions, and people interpret them in much the same way worldwide. However, an individual’s experience of emotions appears to be culturally shaped. Some cultures value certain emotions more than others, which leads individuals to change their perspective on experiencing these emotions.

Research has suggested that negative affect can have benefits. It often allows people to accept present circumstances and cope, reducing the negative effects on physical and psychological health and decision making. Negative affect may also allow managers to think more critically and fairly.