State-Trait Anxiety Inventory

What it measures

A foundational anxiety measure distinguishing transient state anxiety from stable trait anxiety. The State form is widely used as a manipulation check in stress induction paradigms. Among the most cited instruments in experimental and clinical psychology.

Response format

4-point scale; State: intensity (1=not at all, 4=very much so); Trait: frequency (1=almost never, 4=almost always)

Representative items

• I feel calm. (R, State)
• I am tense. (State)
• I feel frightened. (State)
• I worry too much over things that don't matter. (Trait)
• I am a steady person. (R, Trait)

This is a licensed instrument — representative items are shown for reference only. Obtain the original scale materials from the publisher before use in research.

Usage notes & scoring

(R)=reverse-scored. Form Y is the preferred revised version. Requires purchase from Mind Garden. State scale is highly sensitive to experimental stress manipulations. 6-item short version available (Marteau & Bekker, 1992).

Recommended companion scales

Citation

Spielberger, C.D., Gorsuch, R.L., Lushene, R., Vagg, P.R., & Jacobs, G.A. (1983). Manual for the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Consulting Psychologists Press.

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