The affective lability scales: Development of a short-form measure

We examined the factor structure of the Affective Lability Scales and constructed an 18-item short form (ALS-SF). Three independent studies are presented. Study 1 presented a factor analysis, which failed to support the initial six-factor structure and suggested a three-factor solution. A potential 18-item ALS-SF was developed and described by an anxiety/depression scale, depression/elation scale, and an anger scale. Preliminary convergent validity analysis showed a high correlation between the total ALS score and the ALS-SF total score as well as highly similar relationships between the two ALS total scores and their correlations with other measures of affective functioning (i.e., affect intensity, impulsivity, depression). Study 2 presented a confirmatory factor analysis of the proposed short form and suggested that the 18-item scale could constitute a three-factor or six-factor model, both showing good fit. Study 3 evaluated the short form’s temporal stability characteristics, which were computed over a thirty-day period. Overall, the 18-item ALS-SF appears to serve as an adequate measure of overall affect lability.