modified Differential Emotions Scale.

mDES

What it measures

Frequency of 10 positive and 10 negative discrete emotions over a recent period; used to compute the positivity ratio (positive-to-negative emotion balance) in Fredrickson's broaden-and-build research.

Length and format

20 (commonly; some versions list ~37 emotion terms). 5-pt frequency (0 not at all - 4 extremely / most of the time) (self-report questionnaire)

Language versions

Many language adaptations (ES, ZH, PT and others)

Normative data

Normative data for this instrument is held in our reference library. The per-population breakdown is not published here.

Licence

open with attribution

Licence classification is a research judgement by the catalogue’s authors, not legal advice, and it can be out of date. Confirm terms with the copyright holder or publisher before using an instrument, especially for commercial use.

Reference

Fredrickson, B. L. (2003). Positive emotions and upward spirals in organizations. In Cameron, Dutton & Quinn (Eds.), Positive Organizational Scholarship. (mDES; see also Fredrickson & Losada 2005.)