SCORING FOR POMS.

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

  1. 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 21/12/2022]

 

 

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