Desperate times call for a desperate measure: Validating a measure of state desperation

Arguably, one’s feeling of desperation is important in decision-making, especially in high stress situations. However, this is an assumption, as there is no known measure of desperation, outside of being symptomology for other health related constructs (e.g., depression). Through a series of studies, we created and validated a measure of state desperation. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses suggest that the State Desperation Scale contains two components that encompass both emotional and motivational aspects. In the first study, we showed that scores on the measure positively correlate with other negative state-based constructs, such as stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, and coping strategies, and negatively correlate with positive affect. We replicate these patterns over three samples. Finally, in an experimental study, we manipulated desperation to show that it is state-based, but also distinct from stress or anxiety. Analyses indicate the measure is reliable, content valid, and provides evidence of convergent and discriminant validity. We conclude the State Desperation Scale adequately measures the emotional and motivational components of desperation.