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Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire
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About Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire
Scale Name
Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire
Author Details
Norman E. Rosenthal, Gary J. Bradt, and Thomas A. Wehr
Translation Availability
English
Background/Description
The Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire (SPAQ), developed by Norman E. Rosenthal, Gary J. Bradt, and Thomas A. Wehr in 1984, is a self-report tool designed to identify seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and assess seasonal mood and behavior changes in the general population. Introduced at the National Institute of Mental Health and detailed in Rosenthal’s foundational SAD research, the SPAQ was created to screen for seasonal variations in mood, energy, and sleep, helping to distinguish SAD from non-seasonal depression. It remains a cornerstone in chronobiology and psychiatry for studying seasonal influences on mental health.
The SPAQ consists of multiple sections, with the core component being 6 items assessing seasonal changes in sleep, social activity, mood, weight, appetite, and energy, each rated on a 5-point scale (0 = “no change” to 4 = “extremely marked change”). The Global Seasonality Score (GSS) ranges from 0 to 24, with additional questions on seasonal timing and problem perception; a GSS of 11+ with winter difficulties often suggests SAD. Taking about 10-15 minutes to complete, the SPAQ is widely accessible and translated into several languages, making it a key tool for clinicians and researchers exploring seasonal mood patterns.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain the copy: Access the SPAQ from its original documentation by Rosenthal et al. (1984) via NIMH archives or authorized mental health resources, often freely available.
- Explain the purpose: Inform participants that the questionnaire screens for seasonal mood and behavior changes to identify potential SAD or seasonal patterns.
- Provide instructions: Instruct participants to rate each item based on their typical seasonal experiences, using the 5-point scale, and answer additional questions on timing and impact.
- Approximate time: Allow approximately 10-15 minutes for completion, depending on the participant’s reflection time and reading speed.
- Administer the scale: Distribute the SPAQ in a private setting, via paper or digital format, ensuring confidentiality to encourage honest self-reporting.
Reliability and Validity
The Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire has well-established psychometric properties, as validated in subsequent research building on Rosenthal et al. (1984). Internal consistency for the 6-item seasonality scale is moderate to high, with Cronbach’s alpha ranging from 0.81 to 0.85, indicating reliable measurement of seasonal changes. Test-retest reliability over a one-month period yields coefficients around 0.70-0.80, reflecting stability in consistent seasonal reporting, though long-term reliability may vary with recall bias.
Validity is supported by extensive use. Concurrent validity is evidenced by correlations (r = 0.60-0.75) with clinical SAD diagnoses, with sensitivity and specificity around 94% and 73%, respectively, for identifying winter-pattern SAD (Magnusson, 1996). Content validity aligns with SAD diagnostic criteria, and its predictive validity is shown in its ability to flag individuals for light therapy or further evaluation. While retrospective self-reporting limits precision, the SPAQ remains a valid screening tool for seasonal mood disorders.
Available Versions
Multiple-Items
Reference
Rosenthal, N. E. (1984). Seasonal pattern assessment questionnaire. Journal of Affective Disorders.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the SPAQ measure?
It assesses seasonal changes in mood and behavior, screening for SAD.
How many items are in the SPAQ?
It includes 6 core seasonality items plus additional questions.
Who developed the SPAQ?
It was developed by Norman Rosenthal, Gary Bradt, and Thomas Wehr in 1984.
How long does it take to complete the SPAQ?
It takes about 10-15 minutes.
What GSS score suggests SAD?
A score of 11 or higher with winter issues often indicates SAD.
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