Profile of Mood States Second Edition™ (POMS 2®)

The Profile of Mood States 2nd Edition (POMS 2) is a widely used psychological instrument designed to assess transient, fluctuating feelings and enduring mood states. While it is frequently used in clinical and research settings, it has significant applications in industrial psychology specifically regarding employee wellness, high-pressure occupational screening (like aviation or emergency services), and athletic performance.

ASSESSMENT SCALES

The assessment measures several distinct mood states. By plotting these, practitioners can identify an individual's "Mood Profile."

• Anger-Hostility: Measures feelings of varying intensity, from mild irritation to fury.

• Confusion-Bewilderment: Assesses a state of cognitive inefficiency and uncertainty.

• Depression-Dejection: Evaluates feelings of inadequacy, hopelessness, and isolation.

• Fatigue-Inertia: Represents a state of weariness, sleepiness, and low energy levels.

• Tension-Anxiety: Measures heightened musculoskeletal tension and somatic anxiety.

• Vigor-Activity: A positive scale measuring energy, ebullience, and physical vitality.

• Friendliness (Adult version only): Measures positive interpersonal feelings.

AREAS OF APPLICATION

The POMS is applicable in clinical, medical, and research settings, enabling monitoring of treatment and evaluation, as well as clinical trials.

REPORT OPTIONS

Assessment Reports provide detailed information about scores from a single administration, presented both numerically and graphically. An individual's scores are compared to those in the normative sample and elevations at the scale and subscale level are indicated.

Progress Reports compare the results of two to four administrations for the same individual to measure changes over time. These reports are ideal to use when monitoring treatment and intervention effectiveness.