Abstract
This article presents a new method of assessing and quantifying qualitatively different mood states, the Circular Mood Scale. The method is suitable for self-monitoring of mood. It involves two parallel assessments, each based on one of two models of mood: the circumplex model and the prototypical model. In the main assessment, subjects record their mood states on a circular visual analogue scale, which can be scored for both quality and intensity of mood. The recordings on this circular scale are supplemented by an additional assessment in which subjects monitor a limited number of mood prototypes. We tested the Circular Mood Scale on four classes of mood stimuli: verbal mood descriptors, music, pictures of facial affects, and the subjects' own mood during hourly monitoring of mood for 2 days. We determined the stability and interrater reliability of the mood ratings, as well as construct and concurrent validity. The results indicated that the Circular Mood Scale has acceptable reliability and validity. Possible applications and limitations of the instrument are discussed.
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Supported in part by Grant HL49062 from the NHLBI and a training grant in psychiatric statistics (NIMH 5T32MH15758). An extended version of this paper is available on request.
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Jacob, R.G., Simons, A.D., Manuck, S.B. et al. The Circular Mood Scale: A new technique of measuring ambulatory mood. J Psychopathol Behav Assess 11, 153–173 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00960477
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00960477