Visual analogue mood scales to measure internal mood state in neurologically impaired patients: Description and initial validity evidence

Abstract

This report describes the development of seven visual analogue mood scales (VAMS), using vertical 100 mm lines and simple, schematic faces representing the following mood states: sad, afraid, angry, tired, energetic, happy, and confused. Two studies are described in which 311 normal volunteers completed the VAMS, as well as the Profile of Mood States (in both studies) and the Beck Depression Inventory (in one study). Using the multitrait—multimethod technique, the VAMS were found to have excellent discriminant and convergent validity. In one study a separate set of VAMS, in which all words were removed from the scales, was also used. Participants' ratings on these No-Word VAMS were highly correlated with their ratings on the VAMS with corresponding words, indicating that the VAMS have content validity and would be accurately completed by patients with impaired language comprehension. These brief mood scales may prove useful in both clinical and research settings in which valid assessment of internal mood states in aphasic patients is required.