Meeleolude

Meeleolude (Estonian for "moods") refers to the relatively sustained emotional states that influence perception, thought, and behavior over periods ranging from minutes to days. Compared with brief emotions, moods are less intense, often lacking a specific identifiable cause, and can color an individual's general disposition and responsiveness to events.

Common types of moods include positive moods (e.g., contentment, enthusiasm), negative moods (e.g., sadness, irritability), and neutral or mixed states. Moods arise from an interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors: neurotransmitter activity, hormonal fluctuations, circadian rhythms, personality traits, recent experiences, and environmental context. Cultural norms and language also shape how moods are recognized and expressed.

Assessment of moods uses self-report questionnaires, mood diaries, ecological momentary assessment, and clinician interviews; physiological and behavioral measures provide supplementary data. Moods serve adaptive functions by guiding attention, motivating behavior, and facilitating social communication, but persistent or extreme mood disturbances can impair functioning and may indicate mood disorders such as major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder.

Management of problematic moods typically involves lifestyle measures (sleep, exercise, social support), psychological interventions (cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness), and, when appropriate, pharmacotherapy under clinical supervision. Ongoing research explores neural mechanisms, the influence of digital environments on mood regulation, and culturally sensitive approaches to assessment and treatment.