The purpose of the present study was to investigate the differential effectiveness of brief cognitive and imaginal techniques in the alleviation of experientially induced anger and sadness. Thirty-two male and female undergraduates recruited from an introductory psychology course were randomly assigned to one of two mood groups (i.e., anger or sadness) and either of two treatment orders (i.e., cognitive-imagery; imagery-cognitive). Likert-type scales were used to assess mood level at pre and posttreatments. Results indicate: self-initiated statements and self-generated images were both effective in altering unpleasant moods. Moreover, a significant order by repeated measures interaction suggests that treatment effectiveness is enhanced when personal images precede personal cognitions. Categorical analyses of imaginal and cognitive themes suggested that some classes of imaginal and cognitive themes were superior to others in reducing unpleasant affect.
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