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. 2011 Jun;42(2):225-32.
doi: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2010.12.003. Epub 2010 Dec 21.

The Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire (PTQ): validation of a content-independent measure of repetitive negative thinking

Thomas Ehring  1 , Ulrike Zetsche, Kathrin Weidacker, Karina Wahl, Sabine Schönfeld, Anke Ehlers
Affiliations

The Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire (PTQ): validation of a content-independent measure of repetitive negative thinking

Thomas Ehring et al. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry. 2011 Jun.

Abstract

Repetitive negative thinking (RNT) has been found to be involved in the maintenance of several types of emotional problems and has therefore been suggested to be a transdiagnostic process. However, existing measures of RNT typically focus on a particular disorder-specific content. In this article, the preliminary validation of a content-independent self-report questionnaire of RNT is presented. The 15-item Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire was evaluated in two studies (total N = 1832), comprising non-clinical as well as clinical participants. Results of confirmatory factor analyses across samples supported a second-order model with one higher-order factor representing RNT in general and three lower-order factors representing (1) the core characteristics of RNT (repetitiveness, intrusiveness, difficulties with disengagement), (2) perceived unproductiveness of RNT and (3) RNT capturing mental capacity. High internal consistencies and high re-test reliability were found for the total scale and all three subscales. The validity of the Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire was supported by substantial correlations with existing measures of RNT and associations with symptom levels and clinical diagnoses of depression and anxiety. Results suggest the usefulness of the new measure for research into RNT as a transdiagnostic process.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Schematical Representation of the Two Models Tested in the CFAs. Note. Model 1 = Single common factor model; Model 2 = Second-order single-factor model with three lower-order factors.
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