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Thought Control Questionnaire
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About Thought Control Questionnaire
Scale Name
Thought Control Questionnaire
Author Details
Adrian Wells, Ph.D., and Mark I. Davies, Ph.D.
Translation Availability
English
Background/Description
The Thought Control Questionnaire (TCQ) is a self-report instrument developed by Adrian Wells and Mark I. Davies in 1994 to assess individual differences in strategies employed to control unwanted, intrusive thoughts. Recognizing that such thoughts are common in both clinical and non-clinical populations, the TCQ aims to identify the habitual methods individuals use to manage these cognitions. The questionnaire comprises 30 items, each rated on a 4-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (“Never”) to 4 (“Almost Always”). Through factor analysis, five distinct thought control strategies have been identified:
- Distraction: Engaging in activities or thinking about other things to divert attention from the unwanted thought.
- Social Control: Seeking support or discussing the thought with others to manage it.
- Worry: Focusing on other worries or concerns as a means to control the intrusive thought.
- Punishment: Self-criticism or punitive actions directed toward oneself for having the unwanted thought.
- Reappraisal: Reinterpreting the meaning of the thought to reduce its impact.
The TCQ has been widely used in psychological research to explore the relationship between thought control strategies and various mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Understanding an individual’s preferred thought control methods can inform therapeutic interventions aimed at promoting more adaptive cognitive strategies.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain a Copy: Access the TCQ through the original publication by Wells and Davies (1994) or reputable psychological assessment resources.
- Explain the Purpose: Inform participants that the TCQ assesses the strategies they typically use to manage unwanted or intrusive thoughts, contributing to a better understanding of their cognitive coping mechanisms.
- Provide Instructions: Instruct participants to reflect on their experiences with unwanted thoughts and rate how often they employ each strategy listed, using the provided 4-point Likert scale.
- Approximate Time: The TCQ typically takes about 10–15 minutes to complete.
- Administer the Scale: Ensure participants complete the questionnaire in a quiet, comfortable environment, free from distractions, to facilitate honest and thoughtful responses.
Reliability and Validity
The TCQ has demonstrated satisfactory psychometric properties. In the original study, internal consistency coefficients (Cronbach’s alpha) for the subscales ranged from 0.64 to 0.79, indicating acceptable reliability. Subsequent research has reported similar findings, with some variations depending on the sample and cultural context.
For instance, a study by Fehm and Hoyer (2004) found internal consistency coefficients ranging from 0.55 to 0.85 across different subscales in a non-clinical sample. Regarding validity, significant associations have been observed between certain TCQ subscales (e.g., Punishment and Worry) and measures of emotional vulnerability, such as anxiety and depression, supporting the construct validity of the instrument. These findings suggest that the TCQ is a reliable and valid tool for assessing thought control strategies across diverse populations.
Available Versions
30-Items
Reference
Wells, A., & Davies, M. I. (1994). The Thought Control Questionnaire: a measure of individual differences in the control of unwanted thoughts. Behaviour research and therapy, 32(8), 871–878. https://doi.org/10.1016/0005-7967(94)90168-6
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Thought Control Questionnaire (TCQ)?
The TCQ is designed to assess the strategies individuals use to manage unwanted or intrusive thoughts, providing insight into their cognitive coping mechanisms.
Who developed the TCQ?
The TCQ was developed by Dr. Adrian Wells and Dr. Mark I. Davies, with the original study published in 1994.
How is the TCQ structured?
The questionnaire consists of 30 items divided into five subscales: Distraction, Social Control, Worry, Punishment, and Reappraisal. Each item is rated on a 4-point Likert scale.
How is the TCQ administered?
Participants self-report by rating how often they use each listed strategy to control unwanted thoughts, using a scale from 1 (“Never”) to 4 (“Almost Always”).
Is the TCQ a reliable and valid measure?
Yes, the TCQ has demonstrated acceptable reliability and validity across various studies and populations, making it a useful tool in both clinical and research settings.
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