Subjective Vitality Scales

Scale Description | The Scale

Download the Subjective Vitality Scale packet in a Word file

The Scales

Note: Below is the original scale developed by Ryan and Frederick (1997). Subsequent research by Bostic, Rubio, and Hood (2000) indicates that eliminating items # 2 improves the scale's effectiveness. First, the individual difference version is presented, and then the state version. Scoring information follows the scales.

Ryan, R. M., & Frederick, C. M. (1997). On energy, personality and health: Subjective vitality as a dynamic reflection of well-being. Journal of Personality, 65, 529-565.

Bostic, T. J., Rubio, D. M., & Hood, M. (2000). A validation of the subjective vitality scale using structural equation modeling. Social Indicators Research, 52, 313-324.

Individual Difference Level Version

Vitality Scale

Please respond to each of the following statements by indicating the degree to which the statement is true for you in general in your life. Use the following scale:

1. I feel alive and vital.
2. I don't feel very energetic.
3. Sometimes I feel so alive I just want to burst.
4. I have energy and spirit.
5. I look forward to each new day.
6. I nearly always feel alert and awake.
7. I feel energized.

State Level Version

Vitality Scale

Please respond to each of the following statements in terms of how you are feeling right now. Indicate how true each statement is for you at this time, using the following scale:

1. At this moment, I feel alive and vital.
2. I don't feel very energetic right now.
3. Currently I feel so alive I just want to burst.
4. At this time, I have energy and spirit.
5. I am looking forward to each new day.
6. At this moment, I feel alert and awake.
7. I feel energized right now.

Scoring Information for the Subjective Vitality Scale.

A scale score is formed for either version of the scale by averaging the individual's items scores. As noted above, it is recommended that you use six items, omitting item #2, in which case a person's score would be the average of the six items. If you do use item #2, that item has to be reverse scored before it is averaged with the other items. Thus, you would subtract the person's score on item #2 from 8 before averaging the resulting number with the person's responses on the other six items.

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