Construção e avaliação de propriedades psicométricas iniciais do Inventário de Pensamentos Automáticos Negativos e Positivos para Adolescentes (IPANPA)

Abstract

Since the emergence of Becks cognitive model great interest has been shown in evaluating the role of different cognitions in the development and maintenance of psychopathology. Researches conducted with subjects of different group ages confirm that automatic thoughts are significant in the comprehension of several mental disorders. However, less attention has been given to the development of systematic evaluation instruments, especially in Brazilian context. Thus, the present study aimed at the development and evaluation of initial psychometric properties of the Negative and Positive Automatic Thoughts Inventory for Adolescents (IPANPA). Elaborated through three interdependent studies and with specific methodologies, the instrument measures the frequency in which adolescents have positive and negative thoughts about them self, the world and the future. Good index of content validity and internal consistency were found in the results, suggesting that the IPANPA is a promising instrument in the evaluation of automatic thoughts in adolescents. Other studies should be conducted to confirm the bifactorial structure found on the preliminary analysis and also to establish convergent and discriminant validity index.