title: Efficiently assessing negative cognition in depression: an item response theory analysis of the Dysfunctional Attitude Scale.
abstract: Despite a central role for dysfunctional attitudes in cognitive theories of depression and the widespread use of the Dysfunctional Attitude Scale, form A (DAS-A; A. Weissman, 1979), the psychometric development of the DAS-A has been relatively limited. The authors used nonparametric item response theory methods to examine the DAS-A items and develop a briefer version of the scale. Using DAS-A data obtained from depressed participants enrolled in 2 large depression treatment studies (N=367), the authors developed a 9-item DAS form (DAS-SF1). In addition, because 2 versions of the DAS are needed for certain study designs, they also developed a 2nd short version (DAS-SF2). These short forms were highly correlated with the original 40-item DAS-A (rs ranged from .91 to .93), exhibited change similar to that of the DAS-A over the course of treatment, were moderately correlated with related self-report assessments, predicted concurrent depression severity, and predicted change in depression from before to after treatment. Taken together, the authors believe the DAS-SF1 and DAS-SF2 provide an efficient and accurate assessment of dysfunctional attitudes among depressed individuals.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712-0187, USA. beevers@psy.utexas.edu
authors.forename: Christopher G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Beevers
authors.forename: David R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Strong
authors.forename: Björn
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Meyer
authors.forename: Paul A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Pilkonis
authors.forename: Ivan R
authors.initials: IR
authors.lastname: Miller
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001290:Attitude; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D003469:Culture; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic