Scoring for POMS
POMS is a standard validated psychological test formulated by McNair et al. (1971)[1]. The test requires you to indicate how you have felt about each word or information in the past week, including today. The questionnaire contains 65 words/statements that describe the feelings people have.
Each adjective in the POMS questionnaire is awarded the following score:
- 0 - Not at all
- 1 - A little
- 2 - Moderately
- 3 - Quite a Lot
- 4 - Extremely
except "Relaxed" and "Efficient", and they score the reverse:
- 4 - Not at all
- 3 - A little
- 2 - Moderately
- 1 - Quite a Lot
- 0 - Extremely
Total Mood Disturbance
A Total Mood Disturbance (TMD) can be calculated by adding Tension, Depression, Anger, Fatigue and Confusion scores and then subtracting the Vigour score.
- TMD = (Tension + Depression + Anger + Fatigue + Confusion) - Vigour
Scores
The total score for "Tension" is determined by adding the scores for:
- Tense, Shaky, On Edge, Panicky, Relaxed, Uneasy, Restless, Nervous and Anxious
The total score for "Depression" is determined by adding the scores for:
- Unhappy, Sorry for Things Done, Sad, Blue, Hopeless, Unworthy, Discouraged, Lonely, Miserable, Gloomy, Desperate, Helpless, Worthless, Terrified and Guilty
The total score for "Anger" is determined by adding the scores for:
- Anger, Peeved, Grouchy, Spiteful, Annoyed, Resentful, Bitter, Ready to Fight, Rebellious, Deceived, Furious and Bad Tempered
The total score for "Fatigue" is determined by adding the scores for:
- Worn Out, Listless, Fatigued, Exhausted, Sluggish, Weary and Bushed
The total score for "Confusion" is determined by adding the scores for:
- Confused, Unable to Concentrate, Muddled, Bewildered, Efficient, Forgetful, and Uncertain About Things
The total score for "Vigour" is determined by adding the scores for:
- Lively, Active, Energetic, Cheerful, Alert, Full of Pep, Carefree and Vigorous
Dummy Items
The following adjectives are not used in the scoring:
- Friendly, Clear Headed, Considerate, Sympathetic, Helpful, Good Natured and Trusting
References
- McNAIR et al. (1971) Manual for the Profile of Mood States. San Diego, CA: Educational and Industrial Testing Service.
Page Reference
If you quote information from this page in your work, then the reference for this page is:
- MACKENZIE, B. (2001) Scoring for POMS [WWW] Available from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/pomscoring.htm [Accessed