What is the Taylor Manifest Anxiety Scale (TMAS)?

The Taylor Manifest Anxiety Scale (TMAS) is a classic psychometric instrument designed to assess manifest anxiety through self-reported symptoms and experiences.

Who developed the TMAS and when?

Developed by Janet A. Taylor and first published in 1953 as part of her doctoral dissertation.

What type of assessment is the TMAS?

It is a self-report questionnaire that measures both psychological and physiological manifestations of anxiety.

What does the TMAS assess?

• Psychological anxiety symptoms (worry, tension, fear)
• Physiological anxiety symptoms (trembling, sweating, insomnia)
• Cognitive anxiety manifestations (concentration difficulties, memory issues)
• Emotional anxiety responses (irritability, restlessness)
• Behavioral anxiety patterns (avoidance, compulsions)
• Somatic anxiety complaints (headaches, gastrointestinal distress)
• Sleep-related anxiety symptoms
• Social anxiety manifestations
• General anxiety severity and frequency

How many items and what format?

50 true/false items assessing various anxiety manifestations and symptoms.

How is the TMAS scored?

Total score ranges from 0-50. Higher scores indicate greater manifest anxiety; subscale scores available for psychological vs physiological symptoms.

Are there versions of the TMAS?

Original 50-item version; some shortened forms exist; has been adapted for different populations and translated into multiple languages.

Who can use the TMAS?

Clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, counselors, and researchers studying anxiety disorders and stress responses.

What are the strengths of the TMAS?

Well-established psychometric properties, comprehensive coverage of anxiety symptoms, good reliability and validity, and extensive research base.

What are the limitations of the TMAS?

True/false format may be less sensitive than Likert scales; some items may seem outdated; self-report format subject to response bias; does not diagnose specific anxiety disorders.

How is the TMAS used?

Anxiety screening, clinical assessment, treatment outcome monitoring, research on anxiety disorders, and personality assessment in conjunction with other measures.