The Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) by Watson, Clark, and Tellegen (1988) measures two broad mood dimensions: positive affect and negative affect. Our negative-affect check asks how often you felt a list of feelings recently. Source: Watson et al., 1988 (PubMed).
How to use it: Answer for the time frame shown, honestly. Higher scores mean more negative affect lately.
Reading your score: The bands describe how much negative emotion you reported, not a diagnosis.
Limitations: This is a self-report screening tool, not a diagnosis. Mood shifts day to day and with sleep and stress.
When to seek help: If negative mood is frequent or tied to hopelessness, consider a mental health professional. If you ever feel you might harm yourself, contact 988 (US) right away.
Related: Our PHQ-9 Mood Self-Check and Mental Health Help (US).