The PANAS scales of positive and negative affect: Factor analytic validation and cross-cultural convergence.

Recent evidence suggests that the structure of mood is composed of two domi nant and relatively independent dimensions, i.e., positive and negative aff ect. Such dimensions have consistently emerged as the first two factors in factor analyses (orthogonal or oblique solutions). The Positive and Negativ e Affect Schedule (PANAS; Watson, Clark y Tellegen, 1988a), a 20-item self- report questionnaire, is one of the most widely used measure of affectivity and has been reported to have excelent psychometric properties with U.S. s amples. This study investigated the structure of mood, as well as factorial validity of the Spanish version of the PANAS, in a sample of 712 undergrad uates in Madrid. Using exploratory and confirmatory factor analytic techniq ues (EQS), the authors tested the PANAS structure as well as the two-factor model of mood, and examined gender differences. Results revealed a robust and stable two-dimensional structure (positive and negative affect), and pr ovide strong support to construct validity, reliability (internal consisten cy) and cross-cultural validation of the Spanish PANAS.