12-item measure of positive and negative emotional experiences. ≈ 2 min to complete. Free with attribution.
SPANE (Scale of Positive and Negative Experience) is a validated clinical instrument used to assess 12-item measure of positive and negative emotional experiences.. It is most often used for 12-item measure of positive and negative emotional experiences.. The instrument contains 12 items. Typical administration time is ≈ 2 min.
Source / attribution: Free to use with citation
12-item measure of positive and negative emotional experiences. SPANE is part of standard practice in this setting because it provides a structured, replicable assessment that can be tracked over time and compared across patients or visits.
Like all screening or assessment instruments, SPANE is a structured aid — not a diagnostic test in isolation. Results should be interpreted alongside history, examination, and clinical context. Where a score crosses an actionable threshold, the next step is typically a more detailed clinical evaluation rather than a definitive diagnosis.
Answer all 12 items below to see your SPANE score and interpretation.
Each item is scored on a 5-point scale (1–5). Your score updates live as you answer.
All scoring runs in your browser. No data is sent anywhere — close the tab and the answers are gone.
Positive score (6 items) 6-30, Negative score (6 items) 6-30, Affect Balance = Positive - Negative (-24 to +24).
Scoring notes: Positive score (6 items) 6-30, Negative score (6 items) 6-30, Affect Balance = Positive - Negative (-24 to +24).
Psychometric figures are drawn from the validation literature and may vary across clinical populations and translations.
If SPANE doesn't fit your context, related instruments in wellbeing include:
| Scale | Measures | Items | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| WHO-5 | 5-item measure of subjective psychological well-being. | 5 | ≈ 1 min |
| FS | 8-item measure of self-perceived success in relationships, self-esteem, purpose, and optimism. | 8 | ≈ 2 min |
| MLQ | 10-item measure assessing presence of meaning and search for meaning in life. | 10 | ≈ 3 min |
| GQ-6 | 6-item measure of individual differences in the disposition to experience gratitude. | 6 | ≈ 2 min |
| SHS | 4-item global measure of subjective happiness using absolute ratings and social comparisons. | 4 | ≈ 1 min |
| AHS | 12-item measure of dispositional hope with agency and pathways subscales. | 12 | ≈ 3 min |
| PWB-18 | 18-item short form assessing six dimensions of psychological well-being: autonomy, environmental mastery, personal growth, positive relations, purpose in life, and self-acceptance. | 18 | ≈ 5 min |
| PGIS | 9-item measure of active, intentional engagement in personal growth and self-change. | 9 | ≈ 2 min |
SPANE (Scale of Positive and Negative Experience) is a validated instrument that assesses 12-item measure of positive and negative emotional experiences.. Its primary clinical use is 12-item measure of positive and negative emotional experiences..
SPANE typically takes ≈ 2 min to administer. Time can vary slightly depending on whether it is self-administered or clinician-led.
SPANE contains 12 items. Items are summed to produce a total score.
SPANE has reported Cronbach's α of 0.88 in validation samples and test–retest reliability of 0.78. Balanced measure of hedonic well-being.
SPANE is free to use with attribution. Free to use with citation
Diener, E., Wirtz, D., Tov, W., Kim-Prieto, C., Choi, D. W., Oishi, S., & Biswas-Diener, R. (2010). New well-being measures. Social Indicators Research, 39(2), 247-264.
No. SPANE is a structured assessment aid. A score is one input alongside history, examination, and clinical context. Treatment decisions should never rest on a screening score alone.
SPANE is supported by the following peer-reviewed sources: