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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the PANAS self-report or clinician-administered?
The PANAS is a self-report measure. Respondents rate each of the 20 mood descriptors themselves on a 5-point scale. No clinician administration or scoring is required, making it practical for routine outcome monitoring in clinical and research settings.
How is the PANAS scored?
The PANAS produces two independent subscale scores. The 10 Positive Affect items are summed to give a PA score (range 10–50), and the 10 Negative Affect items are summed to give an NA score (range 10–50). The two subscales are interpreted separately — they are not combined into a single total score.
What is a typical PANAS score?
Based on Watson, Clark & Tellegen's 1988 normative data using the 'in general' time frame, the population mean for Positive Affect is approximately 35 (SD 7.9) and for Negative Affect approximately 18 (SD 6.9). Scores substantially below the PA mean or above the NA mean may warrant further clinical attention, but no fixed severity cutoffs have been established in the literature.
Can the PANAS diagnose depression or anxiety?
The PANAS is not a diagnostic tool. It measures the dimensions of positive and negative affect, which are related to but distinct from diagnostic categories. Low Positive Affect is a characteristic feature of depression, while high Negative Affect is associated with both depression and anxiety. Clinical diagnosis requires a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified clinician.
References
- 1.Watson D, Clark LA, Tellegen A. Development and validation of brief measures of positive and negative affect: the PANAS scales. J Pers Soc Psychol. 1988;54(6):1063-1070.View source
- 2.Díaz-García A, González-Robles A, Mor S, et al. Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS): psychometric properties of the online Spanish version in a clinical sample with emotional disorders. BMC Psychiatry. 2020;20(1):56.View source
- 3.Serafini K, Malin-Mayor B, Nich C, Hunkele K, Carroll KM. Psychometric properties of the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) in a heterogeneous sample of substance users. Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse. 2016;42(2):203-212.View source
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Last reviewed: Jun 3, 2026
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