Purpose

The purpose of the questionnaire is to assess and measure individuals’ behaviors that are considered dysfunctional, or the dysfunctional cognitive schemas described in Beck’s cognitive theory. These schemas are characteristic features of depression and other psychopathological conditions.

Questionnaire Analysis

The Dysfunctional Attitude Scale was developed by Weissman in 1979 and consists of 40 statements. The items explore various domains of dysfunctional attitudes or schemas, such as achievement, omnipotence, autonomy, love, and others. In general, dysfunctional schemas, according to Beck’s cognitive theory, are enduring, unarticulated general rules, beliefs, or implicit assumptions that develop during early life experiences. These schemas undermine an individual’s psychological defenses and make them more vulnerable to depression and other psychological disorders.

Scoring and Statistical Analysis

Participant responses on the DAS-40 are recorded using a seven-point Likert scale:
1 = agree very much,
2 = agree a lot,
3 = agree somewhat,
4 = neither agree nor disagree,
5 = disagree somewhat,
6 = disagree a lot,
7 = disagree very much.

Each participant’s total score is calculated as the sum of all responses and ranges from 40 to 280. Additionally, it is possible to calculate scores for each specific dysfunctional schema by summing the relevant items. Generally, the higher the score, the more the individual exhibits dysfunctional attitudes.

Validity and Reliability

The DAS-40 was translated into Greek by Pouli and Kleftaras in 2012. It demonstrates good internal consistency and reliability. Cronbach’s alpha ranges from 0.89 to 0.92.

References

Greek Literature

Michailidou, D. I. (2020). Internet addiction symptoms and psychopathology: the role of existential anxiety and dysfunctional attitudes (Master’s thesis).

International Literature

Hamilton, E. W., & Abramson, L. Y. (1983). Cognitive patterns and major depressive disorder: a longitudinal study in a hospital setting. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 92(2), 173.
Weissman, A. N. (1979). The Dysfunctional Attitude Scale: A validation study. University of Pennsylvania.