Exploratory and confirmatory factor validation and psychometric properties of the automatic thoughts questionnaire for Malays (ATQ-Malay) in Malaysia

Abstract

Objectives: To examine the factor structure of the Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire-Malay and report its validity and reliability in Malaysia. Participants and Methods: One thousand and ninety patients from 4 different samples completed the Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire-Malay, as well as additional questionnaires which measured mood, cognition, and quality of life. Results: Exploratory factor analysis revealed a 2-factor solution and accounted for 51% of the total variance, and a subsequent confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the 2-factor solution was acceptable for the data. The 2 factors appeared to describe negative self-concept/negative expectation and personal maladjustment. The Cronbach's alpha coefficients ranged from 0.83 to 0.93. Evidence was also found to support the concurrent and discriminant validity of the Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire-Malay. Conclusions: This report shows that the Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire-Malay is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring negative automatic thoughts in the Malay population