Psychometric Properties of the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) Among Indian Youth

Abstract

Background: The positive and negative affect schedule (PANAS) is widely used to assess positive (PA) and negative affect (NA). Despite its extensive global validation, its psychometric properties remain unexamined among the Indian youth population (IYP). This study aims to evaluate the structural validity, reliability (internal consistency), and criterion validity of the PANAS among IYP. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 660 students (57.4% females, mean age 16.25 ± 2.79 years) from 10 educational institutions across five cities in [State name], India. Participants were selected using random sampling. They underwent a comprehensive assessment, including face-to-face semi-structured interviews using the PANAS, anxiety measures, depressive measures, and happiness measures. The SPSS (version 16) and JASP (version 0.14.1) software were used for reliability, validity, and factor analysis. Results: Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) confirmed a two-independent-factor structure with satisfactory fitness indices (goodness-of-fit index [GFI] = 0.96; root mean square error of approximation = 0.07; standardized root mean square residual = 0.06). The PANAS factor loads ranged from 0.44 to 0.73. Internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha) was 0.85 for PA and 0.83 for NA. Analyses showed adequate criterion validity. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate adequate structural validity, internal consistency, and criterion validity of the PANAS, confirming its suitability for assessing effect in IYP. However, some indices in CFA suggest further refinement.