Table 3.
Summary descriptions of the NIHTB-EB composites and component scales
| Scale/composite | Emotions assessed | Potentially problematic |
|---|---|---|
| Psychological well-being (three scales) | Overall positive emotions, feeling content with respect to self and life | T<40 |
| Positive affect | Feelings of contentment, happiness, enthusiasm, joy, and excitement | T<40 |
| General life satisfaction | Feelings of satisfaction with one’s self and other aspects of life | T<40 |
| Meaning and purpose | The extent to which individuals feel that their lives are meaningful and/or make sense | T<40 |
| Negative affect (five scales) | Overall negative emotions ranging from anger, fear, depression, and stress | T>60 |
| Anger – affect | Feelings of cynicism and frustration | T>60 |
| Anger – hostility | Feelings of antagonism or animosity | T>60 |
| Fear – affect | Anxiety over perceptions of threat | T>60 |
| Sadness | Feelings of depression | T>60 |
| Perceived stress | A person’s view of life challenges in relation to their values and coping resources | T>60 |
| Social satisfaction (five scales) | Social support and perceptions of social relationships | T<40 |
| Perceived rejection | Perceptions of being ignored or others not listening or responding to requests for help | T>60a |
| Friendship | Perceptions about the availability of companions or friends with whom to affiliate | T<40 |
| Loneliness | Feelings of being alone or socially isolated from other individuals | T>60a |
| Emotional support | The perception that others are available to listen to one’s concerns with understanding and caring | T<40 |
| Instrumental support | The perception that people are available to provide information or advice needed to overcome problems | T<40 |
| Supplemental scales | ||
| Anger – physical aggression | Aggressive behaviors | T>60 |
| Fear – somatic arousal | Anxiety with autonomic arousal | T>60 |
| Perceived hostility | Perceptions of being criticized or berated | T>60 |
| Self-efficacy | Feelings of adequate control over one’s life, and confidence in being able to manage one’s own functioning and outcomes | T<40 |
Notes:
a
Reverse coded for summary score computation. T=T score. Used with permission ©2006-2017 National Institutes of Health and Northwestern University.35
Abbreviation: NIHTB-EB, National Institutes of Health Toolbox Emotion Battery.