STAI: State-Trait Anxiety Inventory

The STAI is the most widely used research measure of anxiety, consisting of two 20-item scales: State Anxiety (how you feel right now) and Trait Anxiety (how you generally feel). Scores 20–80 per subscale. Developed by Spielberger et al. (1983). Copyrighted by Pearson.

What is the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory?

The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was developed by Charles D. Spielberger, Richard L. Gorsuch, and Robert E. Lushene (1970), with the Form Y revision published in 1983. It is the most widely used measure of anxiety in psychological research, with over 20,000 citations. It distinguishes between two conceptually distinct forms of anxiety: state anxiety (a transient emotional condition) and trait anxiety (a stable personality disposition toward anxiety).

The State Anxiety Scale (STAI-S) asks respondents to rate how they feel right now on 20 items (e.g., "I feel calm," "I feel tense"). The Trait Anxiety Scale (STAI-T) asks how respondents generally feel on 20 items. Both scales are scored 1–4, with multiple items reverse-scored. Each scale yields a score from 20 (minimum anxiety) to 80 (maximum anxiety).

The STAI is copyrighted by Pearson and requires a license to administer. It is available for purchase through Mind Garden. For free validated anxiety screening, the GAD-7, HAM-A, and SPIN are recommended public-domain alternatives. The PSWQ is the preferred scale when worry (the trait aspect of GAD) specifically needs to be measured.

STAI Score Interpreter

Enter STAI-S and STAI-T scores from a licensed assessment to see the corresponding interpretation.

Score range: 20 (calm) to 80 (extreme anxiety)

Score range: 20 (low anxiety disposition) to 80 (high anxiety disposition)

STAI is copyrighted by Pearson. This interpreter is for educational reference only.

STAI Score Ranges

Spielberger et al. (1983). Score of 40+ on either subscale is the commonly cited clinical concern threshold. Population mean ≈ 35–40.

Free Anxiety Screening Alternatives

When STAI licensing isn't available, these free validated tools cover the same clinical territory.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale

7-item anxiety screener, the standard free primary care tool. Best equivalent to STAI-T for clinical screening workflows. Free for clinical use.

Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale

14-item clinician-rated anxiety scale with psychic and somatic subscales. Criterion standard for anxiety clinical trials. Free for clinical use.

Penn State Worry Questionnaire

16-item measure of pathological worry, the closest free equivalent to the STAI-T for GAD-specific trait anxiety. Free for clinical use.

Anxiety Screening Without the Licensing Headache

HiBoop includes GAD-7, HAM-A, PSWQ, and SPIN, validated free anxiety measures that cover everything STAI does, with automated scoring and longitudinal tracking.