Test/C0Retest
Spielberger and Reheiser (2009) reported stability coefficients (ranging from .73 to .86 for the trait anxiety scale
across intervals of 3 to 15 weeks, whereas stability coefficients for the state scales were low (e.g., Mdn 5.33 for
the state anxiety scale). As expected, two-week stabilities for the state anger scale were found to be .27 (males)
and .21 (females), while for the trait anger scale they were .70 (males) and .77 (females) /C0(Jacobs, Latham, &
Brown 1988 ). Thus, the STPI state scales appear to be sensitive to transitory fluctuations in emotional states, and
the stability coefficients for the state scales are considerably lower than those observed for the trait scales.
Validity
Convergent/Concurrent
Spielberger and Reheiser (2009) reported convergence between the STPI scales and measures of corresponding
constructs (see also Krohne, Schmukle, Spaderna & Spielberger 2002 ;Spielberger et al., 2003 ). For example, the
trait depression scale correlated from .72 to .85 (Mdn 5.78) with other depression measures, including the Beck
Depression Inventory (BDI), the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (ZUNG), and the Center for Epidemiological
Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) /C0(for a psychometric review of these scales, see Boyle, 1985b ). As expected,
the corresponding correlations with the state depression scale were lower (Mdn 5.66). Spielberger and Reheiser
also reported that trait anxiety correlated .73 with Taylor’s Manifest Anxiety Scale , and .85 with Cattell and
Scheier’s (1963) Anxiety Scale Questionnaire , respectively (cf. Rossi & Pourtois, 2012 ).
Divergent/Discriminant
Spielberger and Reheiser (2009) reviewed evidence showing that corresponding state and trait STPI scales tend
to be moderately correlated, but distinct. In the Preliminary Manual, Spielberger (1979) reported that the state
scales were not strongly correlated with social desirability, although anxiety and anger correlated negatively with
social desirability ( 2.14 and 2.33, respectively).
Construct/Factor Analytic
Spielberger and Reheiser (2009) reported that separate factor analyses of the state and trait scales included in
the STPI supported the distinction between the various state and trait measures. However, no factor analysis of
the entire STPI has been reported to-date.
Criterion/Predictive
Evidence for criterion validity has been provided for the precursor scales to the STPI and most likely, the STPI
itself would exhibit similar criterion validity to the precursor scales. For example, the STAI scales correlate with
impaired performance and attentional bias ( Eysenck & Derakshan, 2011 ). Trait anger is associated with elevated
blood pressure ( Spielberger & Reheiser, 2009 ).Matthews, Panganiban, and Hudlicka (2011) showed that under
neutral mood conditions ( N560), STPI trait anxiety correlated .40 with viewing frequency of threat stimuli.
Wrenn, Mostofsky, Tofler, Muller, and Mittleman (2013) conducted a prospective cohort study of 1968 survivors
of myocardial infarction using the STPI anxiety and anger scales, and found that anxiety was associated with a
higher mortality risk over 10 years. In a study of 103 overweight adolescents, Cromley et al. (2012) tested whether
STPI trait anxiety and trait anger correlated with a lower body satisfaction (odds ratios for the STPI predictors
were .76 and .90 respectively).
Location
Spielberger, C.D., Ritterband, L.M., Sydeman, S.J., Reheiser, E.C., & Unger, K.K. (1995). Assessment of emo-
tional states and personality traits: Measuring psychological vital signs. In J.N. Butcher (Ed.), Clinical personality
assessment: Practical approaches (pp. 42 /C058). New York: Oxford University Press.
Spielberger, C.D., & Reheiser, E.C. (2009). Assessment of emotions: Anxiety, anger, depression, and curiosity.
Applied Psychology: Health and Well-being, 1 , 271/C0302.
Results and Comments
The STPI is useful for measuring the four emotions of anxiety, depression, anger and curiosity. Trait and state
measures may be employed as outcome variables in evaluation of therapeutic interventions ( Spielberger et al.,
2004). The state scale is also useful in assessing the impact of experimental manipulations in mood research
(Matthews et al., 2011; Rossi & Pourtois, 2012 ), in correlational studies of emotion and performance ( Eysenck &197 OVERVIEW OF THE MEASURES
II. EMOTIONAL DISPOSITIONS