An experiment tested the hypothesis that cognitive load had a direct effect on the ability to mood regulate. Two variables were manipulated to test this relationship: Cognitive load (high vs. low) and mood management (instruction vs. no instruction). After undergoing a negative mood induction, all subjects were randomly assigned to one of four conditions created by the cross of the between subjects variables. Subjects rated their mood both before and after the cognitive load and mood management manipulation. Although some marginal evidence indicated that subjects in low cognitive load conditions were able to mood regulate and subjects in high cognitive load conditions were not, a clear interpretation of this finding was prevented by an unexpected sampling break prior to the load manipulation. Hypotheses related to the mood management manipulation were not supported. The results are discussed in terms of their implications for further research on mood repair
