Construction and validation of an Italian dysfunctional beliefs questionnaire

Abstract

With reference to the rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) framework model, the purpose of the present study was to develop a multidimensional scale regarding dysfunctional beliefs of young people, and to clarify its factor structure. In line with this purpose, the dysfunctional beliefs questionnaire (DBQ) was developed. It is composed of four subscales measuring self-criticizing, catastrophizing, demandingness and frustration intolerance. Results reveal that the DBQ shows a good four-factor structure that represents the four subscales of the theoretical framework model. Furthermore, this result demonstrates adequate internal consistency reliability and supports the validity of the DBQ in terms of construct convergent (assessed with the personality belief questionnaire) and divergent validity (assessed with intelligence and coping strategies). Findings also show that dysfunctional beliefs are negatively correlated with intelligence and blunting coping and partially correlated with monitoring coping. Clinical implications and the potential utility of examining the combined influence of other cognitive factors are highlighted.