Developing a non‐verbal, self‐report assessment tool of action tendencies: The Depicted Action Tendencies (DAT) instrument

The objectives of this series studies were to develop and evaluate a visual self-report measure, the Depicted Action Tendencies (DAT), for assessment action tendencies, examine relations between tendencies emotions. In three independent studies, 938 participants evaluated drawings depicting individuals engaged in actions, reflecting four classes tendencies; tendency approach reward, threat, avoid reward. DAT instrument showed specificity terms associations with emotions verbal action-tendency items minimal overlap (Study 1). extended settings which recalled events from their lives 2 3). findings suggest that can capture different contexts labeled same emotion provide initial support as valid reliable measure tendencies. We believe offers potential value both experimental clinical settings. Given its pictorial format, is easy comprehend may represent valuable assessing quick manner at momentary level. It also be useful limited linguistic skills or difficulties verbalizing sensations feelings.