Moods steer our thinking Between intuition and prudence 1980's to 2025

Moods steer our thinking Between intuition and prudence 1980's to 2025

Our decisions are not shaped solely by facts and logic. Our mood quietly influences the speed and depth of our thinking. When one is in a good mood, one is more likely to perceive the world as safe and consistent, and intuitive associations work smoothly. It is often in this state that we can quickly see the relevance of words and events.

This phenomenon corresponds well with the dual-process model of thinking presented by psychologist Daniel Kahneman. When we are in a good mood, a fast, automatic system1 comes to the fore. Processing is light, judgments are quick, and some inconsistency or ambiguity is not a concern. As a result, it is easier to make creative associations and grasp the big picture, but it is also easier to miss minor errors and assumptions.

Conversely, when one is in a negative mood, such as sad or unhappy, one is more likely to perceive the environment as unsafe. They are more alert and less likely to use intuitive shortcuts. Instead, System 2, which carefully examines information, comes to the fore. Judgment slows down, but people are more likely to notice holes and inconsistencies in logic, and errors tend to be fewer.

Psychological studies have reported that subjects in pleasant moods tend to perform better on associative tasks, while those in sad moods have an advantage on logic tasks and error detection. It is believed that mood does not increase or decrease ability per se, but rather switches which thinking style is more likely to be selected.

What matters is not which is better. Intuition brings speed and breadth, while prudence brings accuracy and security. As Kahneman repeatedly emphasized, human thinking is not always optimal, but we can use it differently depending on the situation. When we are in a good mood, we broaden our thinking; when we are feeling down, we turn to calculations. Instead of treating mood as an enemy, consciously treat it as a rudder for thought. This is a realistic attitude to maintain the quality of judgment between intuition and prudence.