Abstract
The Cognitive Distortions Scale was developed to assess thinking errors using case examples in two domains: interpersonal and personal achievement. Although its validity and reliability has been previously demonstrated in non-clinical samples, its psychometric properties and scoring has not yet been evaluated. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Cognitive Distortions Scale in two Turkish samples and to examine the usefulness of the categorical scoring system. A total of 325 individuals (Sample 1 and Sample 2) were enrolled in this study to assess those psychometric properties. Our Sample 1 consisted of 225 individuals working as interns at the Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Teaching and Research Hospital and Sample 2 consisted of 100 patients diagnosed with depression presenting to the outpatient unit of the same Hospital. Construct validity was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory, the State Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Dysfunctional Attitude Scale, and the Automatic Thought Questionnaire. Factor analyses supported a one-factor model in these clinical and non-clinical samples. Cronbach's α values were excellent in both the non-clinical and clinical samples (0.933 and 0.918 respectively). Cognitive Distortions Scale scores showed significant correlation with relevant clinical measures. Study Cognitive Distortions Scale scores were stable over a time span of two weeks. This study showed that the Cognitive Distortions Scale is a valid and reliable measure in clinical and non-clinical populations. In addition, it shows that the categorical exists/does not exist scoring system is relevant and could be used in clinical settings.
Highlights
Beck’s cognitive theory has been one of the most influential contributions in the field of psychotherapy [1]
major depressive disorder (MDD) past episode was the commonest DSM-IV diagnosis with a proportion of 23%. It was followed by Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Specific Phobia (SP) with 12%, Dysthymic Disorder (DD) with 11%
Results for the Cognitive Distortions Scale (CDS) using alternative scoring procedure no other scoring system was offered in the original paper, raw scores were used in previous statistics as recommended in the original study
Summary
Beck’s cognitive theory has been one of the most influential contributions in the field of psychotherapy [1]. The main proposal of cognitive theory is that the emotional and behavioral reactions of individuals fundamentally depend upon underlying cognitive structures such as beliefs and thought systems [2,3,4]. Cognitive therapy for depression has been demonstrated to be an effective therapeutic modality It aims to adjust ‘‘cognitions’’ rationally and/or functionally on three levels [6]. That man may hold a core belief that ‘‘I am unlovable’’ and may be constantly insecure about his relationships. He may assume ‘‘if I let my friends down, they will stop caring about me’’. In cognitive therapy for depression, treatment begins with a discussion of the client’s experience and the interaction between events, thoughts, emotions and behaviors. Detecting cognitive errors and developing insight about them is an important component of cognitive behavioral therapy for depression
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