PANAS: Positive and Negative Affect Schedule
20-item validated measure of positive affect (PA) and negative affect (NA). Each subscale 10–50. Low PA associated with depression; high NA with anxiety. Public domain. Watson et al. (1988).
The PANAS is a 20-item validated measure of mood and affect. Ten items measure Positive Affect (PA) and ten measure Negative Affect (NA), each scored 10–50. Population means: PA ≈ 35, NA ≈ 18. Watson, Clark & Tellegen (1988). Public domain.
What is the PANAS?
The Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) was developed by David Watson, Lee Anna Clark, and Auke Tellegen (1988) to efficiently measure two dominant dimensions of mood: Positive Affect (PA) and Negative Affect (NA). These two dimensions are largely independent (not opposite ends of one scale) and each represents a distinct neurobiological and psychological system.
The 20 items are common mood descriptors, 10 reflecting positive affect (e.g., excited, enthusiastic, attentive) and 10 reflecting negative affect (e.g., distressed, upset, nervous). Each is rated on a 5-point scale (1 = Very slightly or not at all, 5 = Extremely) based on the respondent's current state or a specified time frame (today, past week, in general). PA and NA subscale scores are each summed across their 10 items (range 10–50).
High PA indicates high energy, engagement, and positive mood. Low PA is a hallmark of depression (not anxiety). High NA indicates distress, nervousness, and negative mood, and is associated with both anxiety and depression. The PANAS is in the public domain and free for clinical and research use.
Rate each word based on how you feel right now or select your preferred time frame below.
Rating scale
Educational reference only. Cannot diagnose or replace clinical evaluation.
PANAS Score Reference
Watson, Clark & Tellegen (1988). Norms for "in general" instruction: PA mean ≈ 35.0 (SD 7.9); NA mean ≈ 18.0 (SD 6.9).
Positive Affect (PA)
Items: interested, excited, strong, enthusiastic, proud, alert, inspired, determined, attentive, active
Negative Affect (NA)
Items: distressed, upset, guilty, scared, hostile, irritable, ashamed, nervous, jittery, afraid
Track Mood and Affect Over Time in HiBoop
PANAS alongside PHQ-9 and GAD-7, longitudinal mood tracking to monitor treatment response and wellbeing across your patient panel.
Related Assessments
Explore complementary clinical tools and screeners