Work

Psychometric properties and factor structure of the cognitive distortions questionnaire (CD Quest)

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Cognitive distortions are central to contemporary clinical theory and practice, yet psychometric evidence for the Persian Cognitive Distortions Questionnaire (CD-Quest) has been limited. This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Persian CD-Quest in Iranian adults. Participants (N = 567; 18–60 years) were recruited in 2023 from Arak, Iran, using quota-based stratification by gender and recruitment site (ten high-traffic urban locations, e.g., city bazaar, main square, university, service centers). Measures included the CD-Quest, Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire, and General Health Questionnaire. Analyses combined Classical Test Theory (CTT) and Item Response Theory (IRT). CTT results showed acceptable item–total correlations (≥ .30). IRT supported unidimensionality and favored the generalized partial credit model; item parameters (discrimination and ordered thresholds) were satisfactory. The test information function indicated greatest precision at moderate-to-high levels of the latent trait (peak around θ ≈ 1.70; high-information band θ ≈ 0.34–3.02); marginal reliability was ρ = .701. Gender-based DIF (Wald/Lord χ 2 , Holm–Bonferroni) was not detected, supporting item-level measurement invariance (women vs. men). Findings suggest the Persian CD-Quest was psychometrically sound and informative for clinical screening and research in Iranian adults, thereby advancing cross-cultural assessment of self-related distorted thinking within Beck’s cognitive framework while enabling valid comparisons across gender. • Dysfunctional schemas from previous life experiences create distorted cognitions. • Cognitive distortions in the form of automatic thoughts or temporary negative mental events affect emotional and motivational systems. • The Cognitive Distortions Questionnaire is a valid tool for quantitative assessment in clinical follow-up, and this study aimed to develop this questionnaire for the Iranian community. • A single-factor questionnaire that can be used in laboratory, clinical, and therapeutic research settings by researchers, counselors, and therapists in the Persian-speaking community.

Source: Psychiatry Research Communications

DOI: 10.1016/j.psycom.2025.100241

Authors: Mehdi Molaei Yasavoli, Parviz Fadakar Gabalou, Mahdieh Shafieetabar

Institutions: Allameh Tabataba'i University, Arak University

Language: English

Topic: Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes

Subfield: Experimental and Cognitive Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,120