Apathy Evaluation Scale (AES)
18 items assessing apathy
The Apathy Evaluation Scale (AES) is an 18-item self-report measure that assesses motivation, initiative, and emotional engagement over the past four weeks. Each item is rated on a 4-point scale.
When motivation disappears
Apathy is more than just feeling lazy. It's a persistent lack of motivation, interest, or concern that affects daily functioning. The Apathy Evaluation Scale (AES) measures this specific dimension of emotional blunting.
What apathy looks like
- Lack of interest in activities you used to enjoy
- Reduced motivation to start or complete tasks
- Feeling indifferent about things that would normally matter
- Not caring about your own future or well-being
- Reduced emotional responsiveness
About this scale
Robert Marin developed the Apathy Evaluation Scale in 1991. It was originally designed for use with neurological patients but has since been validated in psychiatric and general populations.
- Internal consistency: α = 0.86–0.94
- Completion time: 5–10 minutes
This is a screening tool. If apathy is affecting your daily life, consider speaking with a healthcare professional.
Result Interpretation
After completing the 18 questions, you'll receive an immediate, detailed report with:
- Your score — calculated automatically based on your responses
- Score interpretation — what your score means in practical terms
- Context — how your results compare to general population norms where available
All results are displayed on screen. No account or login needed.