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SHAPS

Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale

The Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS) is a 14-item depression assessment for adults. It typically takes about 4 minutes to complete, producing a total score from 0 to 14 where higher scores indicate greater symptom severity.

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Items

14

Time to complete

4 min

Population

adult

Score range

0–14

About the SHAPS

The Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS) is a 14-item depression assessment for adults. It typically takes about 4 minutes to complete, producing a total score from 0 to 14 where higher scores indicate greater symptom severity.

First published in 1995 by Snaith RP, Hamilton M, Morley S, Humayan A, Hargreaves D, Trigwell P, the SHAPS is free to use for clinical and research purposes with attribution. With Psyche Assess you can send the SHAPS to clients online, score it automatically, and generate a clinician-ready report in seconds.

SHAPS questions

Response scale
0 = Strongly agree0 = Agree1 = Disagree1 = Strongly disagree
  1. 1

    I would enjoy my favourite television or radio programme.

  2. 2

    I would enjoy being with my family or close friends.

  3. 3

    I would find pleasure in my hobbies and pastimes.

  4. 4

    I would be able to enjoy my favourite meal.

  5. 5

    I would enjoy a warm bath or refreshing shower.

  6. 6

    I would find pleasure in the scent of flowers or the smell of a fresh sea breeze or fresh bread.

  7. 7

    I would enjoy seeing other people’s smiling faces.

  8. 8

    I would enjoy looking smart when I have made an effort with my appearance.

  9. 9

    I would enjoy reading a book, magazine, or newspaper.

  10. 10

    I would enjoy a cup of tea, coffee, or my favourite drink.

  11. 11

    I would find pleasure in small things, e.g. a bright sunny day, a phone call from a friend.

  12. 12

    I would be able to enjoy a beautiful landscape or view.

  13. 13

    I would get pleasure from helping others.

  14. 14

    I would feel pleasure when I receive praise from other people.

Items reproduced from a documented, freely usable source. Item wording is preserved exactly as published.

Scoring & interpretation

RangeBandInterpretation
0–2Normal hedonic toneWithin normal hedonic-tone range.
3–14Abnormal hedonic toneAnhedonia present; total ≥3 indicates abnormal hedonic tone per Snaith.

Higher scores indicate greater symptom severity.

Frequently asked questions

How many items does the SHAPS have?

The SHAPS has 14 items and takes about 4 minutes to complete.

How is the SHAPS scored?

Item responses are summed for a total score from 0 to 14, where higher scores indicate greater severity. Totals fall into the interpretive bands shown above.

Is the SHAPS free to use?

The SHAPS is free to use for clinical and research purposes provided the authors are credited and the item wording is not altered.

Who is the SHAPS for?

The SHAPS is designed for adult and is used by clinicians, researchers, and integrated-care teams.

Source & references

AuthorsSnaith RP, Hamilton M, Morley S, Humayan A, Hargreaves D, Trigwell P
First published1995
CitationSnaith RP, Hamilton M, Morley S, Humayan A, Hargreaves D, Trigwell P. A scale for the assessment of hedonic tone: the Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale. Br J Psychiatry. 1995;167(1):99-103.
PubMed7551619
LicenseOpen license
Source obtained from https://www.cambridge.org on 2026-05-16. Every instrument in our catalog has a documented, legitimate source — never scraped from another platform.

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