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Moods are ego states characterized by generalized discharge modifications which temporarily influence the qualities of all feelings, thoughts, and actions. They are evoked by intense experiences causing high energetic tensions leading to an overflow of energy throughout the ego. These processes go along with generalized transference phenomena, a point which emphasizes the differences between moods and object-directed feeling states. The latter are characterized by libidinous or aggressive investments in specific objects. The moods transfer the qualities of the provocative to all objects and experiences, imparting a special colouring to the world and hence to the self. Since they permit gradual repetitive discharge with reality testing on many objects, they must be regarded as a primitive economic modality of the ego.
States of sadness and grief appear to develop as a contrast effect induced by the discrepancy between equally overinvested opposing memories and phantasies (e.g. of past happiness and present loss). The frustrated search for happiness lost makes the world empty, the self deprived and poor. In so far as the sad person cherishes his past, he will feel deprived but not worthless. The libidinous cathexis of self and object world is retained, though in a reduced form. Hence object relations and ego activities acquire a subdued quality. It would appear that the contrast effect, achieved by the factor of unexpectedness in gratification, plays a significant role in all states of gaiety and cheerfulness.
In so far as moods colour or overstate one aspect of reality and understate an opposing aspect, they involve denial and distortion. The nature of this denial differs in normal and pathological moods and provides significant differential-diagnostic criteria.
In general, denial affects both the self and the object world. It may be directed against the provocative event itself, against its impact or its meaning. The denial may operate directly against ext