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The Negative and Positive Affect Scale (NAPAS)
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About The Negative and Positive Affect Scale (NAPAS)
Scale Name
The Negative and Positive Affect Scale (NAPAS)
Author Details
Daniel K. Mroczek and Christian M. Kolarz
Translation Availability
English

Background/Description
The Negative and Positive Affect Scale (NAPAS) is a self-report instrument developed by Mroczek and Kolarz in 1998 to assess individuals’ experiences of negative and positive affect over a specified period. The scale consists of two subscales, each containing six items that measure distinct dimensions of affect:
- Negative Affect: Assesses the extent to which an individual experiences aversive emotional states, such as sadness, restlessness, hopelessness, feeling that everything is an effort, worthlessness, and nervousness.
- Positive Affect: Evaluates the degree to which an individual experiences pleasurable engagement, including feelings of being in good spirits, extremely happy, calm and peaceful, satisfied, full of life, and cheerful.
Respondents are asked to rate how often they have felt each emotion during the past 30 days using a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (“None of the time”) to 5 (“All of the time”). The NAPAS has been widely used in psychological research to examine the relationship between affect and various psychological and health outcomes.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain a Copy: Access the NAPAS through the original publication by Mroczek and Kolarz (1998) or reputable psychological assessment resources.
- Explain the Purpose: Inform participants that the NAPAS measures the frequency of their experiences of various positive and negative emotions over the past month.
- Provide Instructions: Instruct participants to respond to each of the 12 items based on their experiences during the past 30 days, using the 5-point scale provided.
- Approximate Time: The NAPAS typically takes about 5–10 minutes to complete.
- Administer the Scale: Ensure participants complete the questionnaire in a quiet, comfortable environment, free from distractions, to facilitate honest and reflective responses.
Reliability and Validity
The NAPAS has demonstrated good internal consistency, with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients reported at 0.87 for the Negative Affect subscale and 0.91 for the Positive Affect subscale, indicating reliable measurement across its items. The scale’s validity is supported by its significant correlations with related constructs, such as measures of psychological well-being and distress, confirming its effectiveness in assessing affective experiences.
Available Versions
12-Items
10-Items
Reference
Mroczek, D. K., & Kolarz, C. M. (1998). The effect of age on positive and negative affect: a developmental perspective on happiness. Journal of personality and social psychology, 75(5), 1333.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Negative and Positive Affect Scale (NAPAS)?
The NAPAS is designed to assess the frequency of individuals’ experiences of positive and negative emotions over a specified period, typically the past 30 days.
Who developed the NAPAS?
The scale was developed by Daniel K. Mroczek and Christian M. Kolarz, as published in their 1998 study.
How is the NAPAS structured?
The NAPAS consists of 12 items divided into two subscales: six items measuring Negative Affect and six items measuring Positive Affect.
How is the NAPAS scored?
Participants rate each item on a 5-point Likert scale. Scores for each subscale are summed to provide separate totals for Negative Affect and Positive Affect, with higher scores indicating greater frequency of the respective affect.
In what contexts is the NAPAS used?
The NAPAS is utilized in research settings to examine the relationship between affective experiences and various psychological and health outcomes.
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