Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire – Positive (ATQ-P)

Abstract

The Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire-Positive (ATQ-P) is a self-report instrument designed to measure the frequency of positive spontaneous self-statements, or automatic thoughts, experienced by an individual. Developed by Ingram and Wisnicki (1988) as a critical counterpart to the original Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire (ATQ), which focuses on negative cognitions often associated with depression, the ATQ-P assesses the positive domain of cognition. It consists of 30 items rated on a 5-point frequency scale, capturing four distinct factors related to positive self-perception and future outlook. This instrument is essential for researchers and clinicians adopting a comprehensive cognitive model that acknowledges the role of positive cognitive biases and strengths in psychological well-being and resilience.

Keywords

Automatic thoughts, Positive cognition, Cognitive assessment, Positive psychology, Depression, Self-evaluation, Psychological assessment, Ingram, Wisnicki.

Authors

Richard E. Ingram, K. S. Wisnicki

Purpose

The primary purpose of the ATQ-P is to provide a reliable and valid measure of the frequency of positive automatic self-statements. Traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) models, particularly those derived from Aaron Beck’s work, heavily emphasize the assessment and modification of negative automatic thoughts in psychopathology. The ATQ-P addresses the recognition that positive cognitive content also plays a crucial role in mental health, acting as a potential buffer against distress or as an indicator of resilience.

This instrument allows clinicians and researchers to assess the balance between positive and negative internal dialogue, which is particularly relevant when examining conditions like affective disorders, where a deficit in positive cognition may be as significant as an excess of negative cognition.

Construct

The ATQ-P measures the construct of Positive Automatic Cognition. These are the spontaneous, immediate thoughts that flow through consciousness, reflecting an individual’s underlying positive beliefs about themselves, their environment, and their future. Unlike effortful, reflective thinking, these automatic thoughts are often rapid and non-volitional.

The scale operationalizes this construct across four empirically derived factors, ensuring a multidimensional assessment of positive thinking rather than a single global score. These factors cover different domains of positive self-appraisal and interaction with the world, including daily functioning, self-worth, social perception, and optimism regarding future outcomes.

Validity

The ATQ-P has demonstrated strong psychometric properties, establishing its validity across various studies. Construct validity is supported by its inverse relationship with measures of depression and anxiety; individuals reporting higher positive automatic thoughts generally report lower levels of depressive symptoms.

Furthermore, discriminant validity has been established by showing that while the ATQ-P is related to general positive affect and optimism, it measures a distinct cognitive process—the frequency of specific, spontaneous self-statements—rather than broad personality traits. Studies, such as those comparing the ATQ-P to its negative counterpart (ATQ-R), suggest that positive and negative automatic cognitions are related but distinct factors, validating the necessity of measuring both domains separately in clinical assessment.

Reliability

The ATQ-P typically exhibits high levels of internal consistency reliability. Across various clinical and non-clinical samples, the scale commonly yields a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient in the high .80s to low .90s, indicating that the 30 items consistently measure the underlying construct of positive automatic cognition.

While specific test-retest reliability data often depend on the study population and interval, the scale is generally considered stable over short periods. The high internal consistency supports the use of the ATQ-P as a reliable tool for measuring the frequency of positive cognitive events in both research and clinical settings.

Factor Analysis

The original factor analysis of the ATQ-P identified a structure comprising four distinct factors (subscales). These factors categorize the types of positive automatic thoughts experienced by respondents:

• Positive Daily Functioning: Reflects positive thoughts regarding immediate mood, current life satisfaction, and social engagement. (Items 6, 7, 11, 13, 14, 15, 17, 19, 20, and 29).
• Positive Self-Evaluation: Focuses on internal validation, self-worth, and positive appraisal of personal qualities and appearance. (Items 10, 21, 22, 23, 25, and 28).
• Other Evaluation of Self: Measures positive thoughts concerning how others perceive the individual, including respect and social appeal. (Items 1, 2, 5, and 12).
• Positive Future Expectations: Captures optimistic beliefs about future success, goals, and general outlook. (Items 3 and 4).

Instrument

Test Type: Self-report questionnaire, Psychological assessment

Format: 30 items, 5-point Likert scale

Language Available: Primarily English (translations may exist in subsequent research)

Population Group: Clinical and Non-clinical populations

Age Group: Adolescents and Adults

Population Details: Has been utilized in studies involving depressed patients, chronic pain patients, and general student populations.

Test Methodology: Respondents rate the frequency with which they experience each positive thought over the past week (or specified time frame). The scoring ranges from 1 (“never”) to 5 (“all the time”). Total scores are calculated by summing the item scores, with higher scores indicating a greater frequency of positive automatic cognitions.

Keywords

Cognitive biases, Self-esteem, Optimism, Affective disorders, Psychological assessment, Positive Self-statements, CBT.

Authors

Author ORCID Identifier: Not specified in source data.

Affiliation Email addresses: Not specified in source data.

Correspondence Address: Not specified in source data (Primary authors affiliated with academic institutions at time of publication).

Permissions & Fee and Test Year

The ATQ-P was initially published in 1988. It is generally considered a freely available instrument for research purposes, though researchers should always consult the original authors or publishing journals regarding specific usage permissions. The original PDF outlining the assessment and early validation can be downloaded here: http://www.people.ku.edu/~reingram/PDFs/assessment_of_pos_automatic_cognition.pdf

Reference’s

The following key references document the development, validation, and application of the Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire-Positive (ATQ-P):

• Ingram, R.E., Wisnicki, K.S. (1988). Assessment of positive automatic cognition. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 56(6):898-902.

• Ingram, R. E., Atkinson, J. H., Slater, M. A., Saccuzzo, D. P., & Garfin, S. R. (1990). Negative and positive cognition in depressed and nondepressed chronic-pain patients. Health Psychology, 9: 300–314.

• Ingram, R. E., Slater, M. A., Atkinson, J. H., & Scott, W. (1990). Positive automatic cogniti in major affective disorder. Psychological Assessment: A Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 2: 209–211.

• Burgess, E., & Haaga, D. A. (1994). The positive automatic thoughts questionnaire (ATQ-P) and the automatic thoughts questionnaire—Revised (ATQ-RP): Equivalent measures of positive thinking?. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 18(1), 15-23.

Items of the Automatic thoughts questionnaire- Positive (ATQ-P)

IMPORTANT: The following scale items must be preserved in their original language and must not be changed in any way.

1. I am respected by my peers.
2. I have a good sense of humor.
3. My future looks bright.
4. I will be successful.
5. I’m fun to be with.
6. I am in great mood
7. There are many people who care about me.
8. I am proud my accomplishments.
9. I will finish what I start.
10. I have many good qualities.
11. I am comfortable with life.
12. I have a good way with others.
13. I am a lucky person.
14. I have friends who support me.
15. Life is exciting.
16. I enjoy a challenge.
17. My social life is terrific.
18. There’s nothing to worry about.
19. I’m so relaxed.
20. My life is running smoothly.
21. I’m happy with the way I look.
22. I take good care of myself.
23. I deserve the best in life.
24. Bad days are rare.
25. I have many useful qualities.
26. There is no problem that is hopeless.
27. I won’t give up.
28. I state my opinions with confidence.
29. My life keeps getting better.
30. Today I’ve accomplished a lot.