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Affect Balance Scale
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About Affect Balance Scale
Scale Name
Affect Balance Scale
Author Details
Norman M. Bradburn
Translation Availability
English
Background/Description
The Affect Balance Scale (ABS), developed by Norman M. Bradburn in 1965 and revised in 1969, is a 10-item self-report questionnaire designed to measure psychological well-being in the general population by assessing positive and negative affect. Published in The Structure of Psychological Well-Being (1969), the ABS evaluates happiness and coping with daily stresses, not psychiatric disorders. It posits that well-being results from the balance between independent positive affect (PA, 5 items, e.g., feeling “pleased about accomplishing something”) and negative affect (NA, 5 items, e.g., feeling “depressed or very unhappy”). The scale was developed as part of the National Opinion Research Center’s mental health studies.
Items ask about feelings over “the past few weeks” (or other timeframes, e.g., months), using a 3-point frequency scale (“often,” “sometimes,” “never”) or dichotomous yes/no responses. The Positive Affect Score (PAS) and Negative Affect Score (NAS) are summed separately, and the Affect Balance Score is calculated as PAS minus NAS (zero indicates balance). The ABS was validated with ~200–2,000 adults (mean age ≈ 20–65 years, mixed gender, U.S.-based), correlating with happiness ratings (r = 0.35–0.40) and social participation (r ≈ 0.30–0.50). It is used in clinical psychology, public health, and social research to assess well-being. Access requires permission from the National Opinion Research Center or Aldine Publishing.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain the ABS from Bradburn (1969) or authorized sources (e.g., Aldine Publishing), ensuring ethical permissions.
- Explain to participants (adults 18+ in general population) that the questionnaire assesses feelings of well-being, emphasizing confidentiality and voluntary participation.
- Administer the 10-item scale via self-report in survey or community settings, using paper or digital formats, rating feelings over the past few weeks.
- Estimated completion time is 3–5 minutes.
- Ensure a private, supportive environment; provide mental health resources (e.g., counseling services) and adapt for accessibility (e.g., large print, oral administration) if needed.
Reliability and Validity
The ABS demonstrates moderate psychometric properties (Bradburn, 1969). Test-retest reliability over three days (N = 174) shows Yule’s Q > 0.90 for nine items, with 0.86 for “excited or interested.” Internal consistency is acceptable (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.55–0.73 for PAS, 0.61–0.73 for NAS, N ≈ 200; community sample alpha = 0.65, clinical sample = 0.70). Item-total correlations range from 0.24–0.26.
Convergent validity is supported by correlations with happiness ratings (PAS: r = 0.35, NAS: r = -0.40), social participation (r ≈ 0.30–0.50), and a 20-item Index of Neurotic Traits (r = 0.48). Discriminant validity is evidenced by differences in response patterns by employment status, income, and occupation, and weak correlations with unrelated constructs (e.g., state anxiety: r = -0.17). Factor analysis confirms two distinct dimensions (positive and negative affect). The NAS correlates with psychiatric caseness (r = 0.42) and the General Health Questionnaire (r = -0.30). Pairing with the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) or General Health Questionnaire enhances comprehensive assessment.
Available Versions
10-Items
Reference
Bradburn, N. M. (1969). The structure of psychological well-being.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Affect Balance Scale measure?
It measures psychological well-being via positive and negative affect balance.
Who is the target population?
Adults (18+) in general population for well-being research.
How long does it take to administer?
Approximately 3–5 minutes.
Can it inform interventions?
Yes, it assesses well-being to guide mental health promotion.
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