The Role of Mind Wandering in Affective States

Mind wandering is a common cognitive phenomenon often associated with detrimental effects. However, the existing literature lacks consensus on its precise role in affective states. An examination of the literature reveals a potential overrepresentation of mind wandering’s association with negative affect compared to positive affect, risking an incomplete understanding of the specific mechanisms underlying this relationship. This thesis addresses this by reviewing and comparing diverse perspectives and empirical findings to demonstrate mind wandering’s relation to both negative and positive affective states. The analysis highlights that although mind wandering is generally associated with negative affect, it can predict positive affect under specific conditions, such as during episodes with future-oriented, positive emotional valence or high-interest thoughts. This insight implies that mind wandering is not fundamentally detrimental to affective states. Moreover, it emphasizes the importance of accounting for potential moderating and mediating factors and the characteristics of mind wandering episodes when examining its role in affective states.