Scale-Description

The Negative and Positive Affect Scale (NAPAS) is a tool designed to assess the intensity of positive and negative emotions. Developed by Watson, Clark, and Tellegen in 1988, the PANAS scale includes two distinct subscales that measure positive and negative affect, providing a comprehensive view of an individual’s emotional state.
Negative Affect Subscale: Measures emotional states such as anxiety, anger, frustration, and sadness.
Positive Affect Subscale: Measures emotional states such as happiness, energy, joy, and enthusiasm.

Data Analysis and Usage

Data Analysis:
The analysis of PANAS data involves calculating two total scores: one for positive affect and one for negative affect. Each item is rated on a 5-point scale, ranging from 1 = “never” to 5 = “always”. Scores for individual items are summed to produce the total score for each subscale.
Statistical methods used for data analysis include:
Descriptive Statistics: Calculating means, variances, and other statistical measures for the subscale scores.
Internal Consistency Coefficients: Such as Cronbach’s alpha, to assess the reliability of the scale.
Correlations: To examine the relationships between the subscales and other variables or scales.
Data Usage:
The NAPAS scale is widely used in both research and clinical settings to assess emotional states. Applications include:
Measuring emotional states in mental health studies.
Evaluating the impact of psychological interventions and treatments.
Recording changes in emotional states in experimental and clinical trials.

Purpose

The primary goal of the PANAS is to provide a reliable and valid method for assessing both positive and negative emotions. By incorporating two distinct dimensions of emotional well-being, the scale allows researchers and clinicians to gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s emotional state, thereby enhancing the ability to assess and intervene effectively.

Calibration

The calibration of the PANAS involves validating the scale across various populations and settings. It includes:
Reliability Assessment: Evaluating internal consistency of the subscales using Cronbach’s alpha, as well as assessing the scale’s stability over time through test-retest reliability.
Validity Evaluation: The PANAS has demonstrated good convergent validity with other emotion measures and psychological conditions.

References

Watson, D., Clark, L. A., & Tellegen, A. (1988). Development and validation of brief measures of positive and negative affect: The PANAS scales. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 54(6), 1063-1070.
Watson, D., & Tellegen, A. (1985). Towards a consensual structure of mood. Psychological Bulletin, 98(2), 219-235.
Crawford, J. R., & Henry, J. D. (2004). The Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS): Construct validity, measurement properties and normative data in a large non-clinical sample. British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 43(3), 245-265.