Emotion

Emotion refers to any strong feelings, such as joy, sorrow, or fear. It is an affective state of consciousness in which one of these feelings is experienced, as distinguished from cognitive and volitional states of consciousness. Emotions can be positive or negative and distressing.

The NIH Toolbox Emotion tests include four major domains: Psychological Well-Being, Stress and Self-Efficacy, Social Relationships and Negative Affect.

The NIH Toolbox Emotion Battery, recommended for ages 8+, consists of tests of Positive Affect, General Life Satisfaction, Emotional Support, Friendship, Loneliness, Perceived Rejection, Perceived Hostility and Self-Efficacy. For ages 13+, the battery also includes a measure of Perceived Stress. For ages 18+, the battery also includes tests of Meaning and Purpose, Instrumental Support, Sadness, Perceived Stress, Fear, and Anger.

The NIH Toolbox Parent Proxy Emotion Battery, recommended for parents of children ages 3-12, includes tests of Positive Affect, General Life Satisfaction, Positive Peer Interaction, Social Withdrawal, Peer Rejection, Empathic Behaviors, Fear, Sadness, and Anger. For those with children ages 8-12, tests for Perceived Stress and Self-Efficacy are included.

Positive Peer Interaction

Emotion: Social Relationships, Companionship

Ages: 3 - 12

Test Time: 2 minutes

A fixed form (FF) assessment of the child’s perceptions of the availability of friends or companions with whom to interact or affiliate

Sadness/Depression

Emotion: Negative Affect, Sadness

Ages: 3+

Test Time: 2 minutes

A computer-adaptive test (CAT) assessment of poor mood and negative perceptions of the self, the world, and the future.

Self-Efficacy

Emotion: Stress and Self-Efficacy, Self-Efficacy

Ages: 8+

Test Time: 2 minutes

A computer-adaptive test (CAT) assessment of the participant’s belief in his or her capacity to manage problems and have control over meaningful events.

Social Withdrawal

Emotion: Social Relationships

Ages: 3 - 12

Test Time: 2 minutes

A fixed form (FF) assessment of the child’s perceptions of being alone, lonely, or socially isolated from others.