Doctor of Philosophy, (Psychology)
Study Completed: 2013
College of Humanities & Social Sciences
Thesis Title
The Effect of Observers' Mood on Level of Processing of Emotional Schematic Faces
Read article at Massey Research Online: 
Ms Mokhtari’s research sought to increase our knowledge about the effect of mood on the processing of emotionally expressive faces. Findings suggest that, in line with evolutionary perspectives, sad facial expressions capture attention more effectively than happy facial expressions. It was also found that different affective states direct our attention to either the overall face or its features. Information like this, about the interaction between mood and face perception, could help psychopathologists to understand the communicational failures in depression and bipolar disorder.
Supervisors
Dr Heather Kempton
Dr Peter Cannon