Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2026

The Successive Alleys Test of Anxiety in Mice and Rats
Published on: June 17, 2013
Exploring the factor structure of the Mood and Anxiety Symptom Questionnaire (MASQ)
1Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths College, University of London. e.keogh@gold.ac.uk
Abstract:
L. A. Clark and Watson (1991) proposed a tripartite model of anxiety and depression defined in terms of common symptoms relating to general distress, anxiety-specific symptoms of hyperarousal, and depression-specific symptoms of low positive affect and loss of interest. To aid the measurement of and discrimination between anxiety and depression they developed the Mood and Anxiety Symptom Questionnaire (MASQ). Although potentially useful, the MASQ is still in an early stage of development, and there is an indication that a discrepancy exists between items and scales. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the items and factors of the MASQ and determine whether a pattern similar to that suggested by L. A. Clark and Watson would emerge. Factor analysis of the MASQ revealed 3 factors relating to general distress, positive affect, and anxious arousal. Inspection of the individual items indicated that some refinements are required.
Related Concept Videos
Factorial Design
Anxiety: Overview
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
Traits, Mood, and Subjective Wellbeing
Neuroticism and Emotional...
Self-Report Tests of Personality
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Social Anxiety Disorder

