Factor structure and psychometric properties of the Children's Negative Cognitive Error Questionnaire with a clinically depressed adolescent sample

J Clin Child Adolesc Psychol. 2009 Nov;38(6):768-80. doi: 10.1080/15374410903297130.

Abstract

The factor structure and psychometric properties of the Children's Negative Cognitive Error Questionnaire (CNCEQ) were examined with 427 adolescents ages 12 to 18 (193 boys) with current major depressive disorder. Results of confirmatory factor analysis supported a four-factor model comprised of three content area factors (i.e., social, academic, athletic) and a general factor. Internal consistencies ranged between .84 and .94 for the total and three content area scores. Girls scored significantly higher than boys on all factors, but no age differences on the factors were found. Convergent and discriminant validity of the CNCEQ were supported. Results did not support the original subscales organized by type of cognitive distortion (e.g., catastrophizing, overgeneralizing). Findings indicated that the CNCEQ would be a useful clinical tool for assessing cognitive symptoms within relevant domains of functioning (e.g., social, academic) of depressed youth.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Affect*
  • Child
  • Cognition*
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / methods*
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / diagnosis*
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / epidemiology
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / therapy*
  • Factor Analysis, Statistical
  • Female
  • Fluoxetine / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Observer Variation
  • Psychometrics / methods*
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires*

Substances

  • Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors
  • Fluoxetine