Abstract
Ellis ( 2 ) has proposed that subjective anxiety is a result of irrational beliefs and syllogistic reasoning processes. People draw catastrophic conclusions on the basis of irrational inferences made about problems which face them. Rational-Emotive Therapy has been developed to modify irrational beliefs and anxiety. Surprisingly, little empirical research has been directed tow>rds the measurement of irrational beliefs. At present, only one measurement device, the Irrational Beliefs Test, has been published ( 3 ) and factorially validated (4 ) . As yet no data demonstrate the consistency of the device across time. The present study was conducted to assess the retest reliability of the Irrational Beliefs Tesc. The subjects were 54 undergraduate students, 25 females and 29 males, who twice completed the Irrarional Beliefs Test, with an 8-wk. intervening period. The subscale scores and total score were computed using the scoring code developed by Lohr and Bonge ( 4 ) . Means did not significantly differ ( p > .05) from those reported by Lohr and Bonge ( 4 ) . Pearson product-moment correlations were computed for each subscale score and for total score; Demand for Approval ( .80) , High Self-expectations (.72), Blame Proneness (.74), Emotional Irresponsibility ( .63), Anxious Overconcern ( .?2) , Problem Avoidance ( .80), Dependency (.58), Helplessness (.61) , Perfectionism (.69), and Total Score ( .79). All correlations were significant ( P < .OOl). The results indicate that the Irrational Beliefs Test has considerable temporal consistency and suggcst the relatively enduring status of irrational beliefs. Having retest reliability and factorial validity ( 4 ) the measurement device appears to be useful in group research. For example, the Irrational Beliefs Test has been used to demonstrate the nature of the relationship of irrational beliefs with depression ( 6 ) , to anxiety ( 5 ) , and with public speaking fear.' It can also be used as a measure of treatment outcome in cognitive therapy ( 1 ) .
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
