Evaluation of Poetic Mood with the Semantic Differential
The “isoprinciple,” which requires the classification of poems by mood, is the generally accepted criterion for the selection of poems used in therapy. The semantic differential was used to identify the general mood (positive or negative) of 10 poems. Data from 30 subjects representing 3 populations yielded no significant rating differences between groups. The validity of the scales was confirmed. Areas for further investigation are discussed.