This study examined the influence of natural mood state on sensitivity to detect and comprehend a change in facial expression from neutral to angry, sad, happy, or surprised. We found that increased intensity of negative mood in particular reduced sensitivity to all expressions, while heightened positive mood reduced sensitivity to anger and sadness only. This suggests that greater introspection towards the negative self may reduce attentional resources required to process a wide range of emotional signals conveyed by others.
Jackson, M.C & Arlegui-Prieto, M. (2015). Variation in normal mood state influences sensitivity to dynamic changes in emotional expression. Emotion, Online First Publication, Oct 19. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/emo0000126