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Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire
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About Scale Name
Scale Name
Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire
Author Details
Hollon and Kendall
Translation Availability
Not Sure
Background/Description
The Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire (ATQ) is a self-report measure developed by Aaron T. Beck and Arthur Freeman in the 1970s to assess the frequency and intensity of negative automatic thoughts. Negative automatic thoughts are the thoughts that arise spontaneously in response to a situation, often without our awareness, and are usually negative and self-defeating. The ATQ has since been modified and adapted by various researchers, including Hollon and Kendall in 1980.
The ATQ consists of 30 items that assess the frequency of negative automatic thoughts across different domains, such as achievement, relationships, and self-worth. Each item is rated on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (not at all) to 5 (all the time). Scores on the ATQ can range from 30 to 150, with higher scores indicating a higher frequency of negative automatic thoughts.
The ATQ has been used extensively in research and clinical settings to assess the impact of negative automatic thoughts on mood and behavior. It has been found to be a reliable and valid measure of negative automatic thoughts, and has been used to guide treatment planning and interventions for individuals with various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and eating disorders.
It is important to note that the ATQ is just one tool among many that can be used to assess automatic thoughts, and it should not be used in isolation to make clinical decisions. It is best used in conjunction with other assessment tools and clinical judgment to guide treatment planning and interventions.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
The Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire (ATQ) is a self-report measure that can be administered individually or in a group setting. The respondent is asked to rate the frequency of negative automatic thoughts they have experienced in the past week on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (not at all) to 5 (all the time). The 30 items are arranged in a random order to minimize response bias.
To score the ATQ, the responses are summed to obtain a total score ranging from 30 to 150, with higher scores indicating a higher frequency of negative automatic thoughts. There is no specific cutoff score for the ATQ, as the interpretation depends on the context in which it is used. It is important to note that the ATQ is not a diagnostic tool, but rather a measure of negative automatic thoughts that can inform clinical assessment and treatment planning.
Interpretation of the ATQ involves considering the individual’s total score and the frequency of negative automatic thoughts across different domains. It is also important to consider the individual’s specific context and personal history, as well as other assessment measures and clinical observations. The ATQ can provide valuable information about the individual’s thought patterns and the impact of negative automatic thoughts on their mood and behavior.
Reliability and Validity
Reliability refers to the consistency of the results obtained from a measure. The ATQ has been found to have high internal consistency, with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients ranging from .84 to .94 in various studies. This indicates that the items on the ATQ are measuring the same construct (negative automatic thoughts) and are highly correlated with each other.
Validity refers to the extent to which a measure assesses what it is intended to measure. The ATQ has been found to have good convergent validity, meaning that it is highly correlated with other measures of negative thinking, such as the Dysfunctional Attitudes Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory. It has also been found to have good discriminant validity, meaning that it is able to distinguish between individuals with different levels of negative automatic thoughts and those without negative automatic thoughts.
Available Versions
30-Items
Reference
Hollon, S. D., & Kendall, P. C. (1980). Cognitive self-statements in depression: Development of an automatic thoughts questionnaire. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 4(4), 383-395. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01178214
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the ATQ?
The ATQ is a self-report questionnaire that assesses the frequency of negative automatic thoughts. It is designed to help clinicians and researchers better understand an individual’s patterns of negative thinking, which can be associated with various mental health conditions.
How long does it take to complete the ATQ?
The length of time it takes to complete the ATQ depends on the specific version being used. The original ATQ-30 and the expanded ATQ-61 can take up to 20 minutes to complete, while the shorter versions, such as the ATQ-Short Form, may take as little as 5-10 minutes.
Who can use the ATQ?
The ATQ can be used by clinicians, researchers, and other mental health professionals who are interested in assessing an individual’s patterns of negative thinking. It is important to note that proper training in administering and interpreting the ATQ is recommended before using it in a clinical or research setting.
Is the ATQ a diagnostic tool?
No, the ATQ is not a diagnostic tool on its own. However, it can be used as part of a comprehensive assessment to inform diagnostic decisions and treatment planning.
Can the ATQ be used in non-clinical settings?
Yes, the ATQ can be used in non-clinical settings, such as in research studies that are interested in examining negative thinking patterns in healthy individuals or in different populations.
What are the limitations of the ATQ?
Like any self-report measure, the ATQ has some limitations. It relies on individuals accurately reporting their thoughts, and it may not capture all aspects of negative thinking. Additionally, the ATQ should not be used in isolation to make clinical decisions, but rather as part of a comprehensive assessment.
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