What is mood generally characterized as?

Mood is generally characterized as an enduring period of emotionality. Unlike temporary feelings or brief emotional disturbances, moods last longer and can influence an individual's overall emotional state and behavior over extended periods. Moods are less immediate and specific compared to feelings, which are often reactions to particular stimuli.

In contrast to a brief emotional disturbance, which implies a short-lived impact on one’s emotional state, a mood reflects a more sustained emotional experience that can shape how a person interacts with the world around them. Understanding mood in this context is crucial for music therapists, as recognizing a client's mood can help tailor interventions that are supportive of their emotional landscape over time.