Ερωτηματολόγιο Αυτόματων Σκέψεων – Θετικό [ATQ-P-30]

Overview

The Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire – Positive (ATQ-P) is a psychometric tool designed to assess the frequency and intensity of positive automatic thoughts. Proper design, analysis, and validation ensure reliable and valid results, offering valuable insights into positive cognitive patterns and their role in psychological well-being and mental health.

Objective

The primary goal of the ATQ-P is to evaluate the frequency and intensity of positive automatic thoughts experienced by individuals. This questionnaire is useful in identifying and understanding positive cognitive patterns that contribute to: Psychological well-being, Resilience, Protection against psychological disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety)

Data Analysis

The ATQ-P data analysis includes: Descriptive Statistics: Measuring means, variances, and frequencies to understand the distribution of positive thoughts among participants. Frequency Analysis: Recording the occurrence of specific positive thoughts per question. Comparative Analysis: Comparing responses between different participant groups (e.g., individuals with high vs. low well-being). Correlation Analysis: Examining relationships between positive thoughts and psychological factors (e.g., resilience, life satisfaction). Factor Analysis: Confirming the structural dimensions of positive automatic thoughts.

Scoring Method

Participants rate their thoughts using a Likert scale: 1 = Never to 5 = Always. The total score is calculated by summing individual item scores. Higher scores indicate greater frequency and intensity of positive automatic thoughts. The total score can be compared with clinical or research benchmarks to assess: Levels of cognitive positivity, Psychological resilience, Therapeutic progress, Scale Validation & Reliability. The ATQ-P validation process includes: Pilot Testing: Conducting small-scale tests to refine the questionnaire. Reliability Analysis: Using Cronbach’s alpha to assess internal consistency. Validity Assessment: Content Validity: Ensuring items reflect the concept of positive automatic thoughts. Construct Validity: Examining correlations with psychological constructs (e.g., optimism, self-esteem). Criterion Validity: Comparing results with clinical and research measures. Cross-validation: Testing across different populations to confirm reliability and generalizability.

Bibliography

Beck, A. T. (1967). Depression: Clinical, Experimental, and Theoretical Aspects. Harper & Row.
DeVellis, R. F. (2016). Scale Development: Theory and Applications (4th ed.). Sage Publications.
Fowler, F. J. (2013). Survey Research Methods (5th ed.). Sage Publications.
Ingram, R. E., & Wisnicki, K. S. (1988). Assessment of automatic positive cognitions. In L. B. Alloy (Ed.), Cognitive Processes in Depression (pp. 83-109). Guilford Press.
Kendall, P. C., Howard, B. L., & Hays, R. C. (1989). Self-referent speech and psychopathology: The balance of positive and negative thinking. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 13(6), 583-598.