title: The silver lining of a mind in the clouds: interesting musings are associated with positive mood while mind-wandering.
abstract: The negative effects of mind-wandering on performance and mood have been widely documented. In a recent well-cited study, Killingsworth and Gilbert (2010) conducted a large experience sampling study revealing that all off-task episodes, regardless of content, have equal to or lower happiness ratings, than on-task episodes. We present data from a similarly implemented experience sampling study with additional mind-wandering content categories. Our results largely conform to those of the Killingsworth and Gilbert (2010) study, with mind-wandering generally being associated with a more negative mood. However, subsequent analyses reveal situations in which a more positive mood is reported after being off-task. Specifically when off-task episodes are rated for interest, the high interest episodes are associated with an increase in positive mood compared to all on-task episodes. These findings both identify a situation in which mind-wandering may have positive effects on mood, and suggest the possible benefits of encouraging individuals to shift their off-task musings to the topics they find most engaging.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of California at Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Michael S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Franklin
authors.forename: Michael D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Mrazek
authors.forename: Craig L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Anderson
authors.forename: Jonathan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Smallwood
authors.forename: Alan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kingstone
authors.forename: Jonathan W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Schooler
keywords: daydreaming; emotion; experience sampling; mind-wandering; mood