Comparing the Situational Scale versus the Self-report Questionnaire of Cognitive Distortions in Predicting Depression and Anxiety in College of Education Students, Sultan Qaboos Uinversity

The present paper aimed at comparing between the situational scale versus self-report questionnaire in assessing cognitive distortions and investigating the predictive validity of both tools in predicting depression and anxiety. Additionally, it explored the gender differences in cognitive distortions as measured by both tools, and identified the level of cognitive distortions as measured by both tools. 137 participants (63 males, 74 females, mean age= 21.22, SD= 6.95) from college of education, Sultan Qaboos University were recruited to respond to the data collection instruments. The study tools were: the cognitive distortion scale (Covin et al., 2011), the cognitive distortions questionnaire (DeOlivera et al., 2015), Inventory of cognitive distortions (Yurica & Ditomasso, 2002; Roberts, 2015), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) (Beck, Steer, & Carbin (1988), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (Beck, Epstein, Brown, and Steer, 1988). Internal consistency reliability was ensured using Cronbach’s Alpha and McDonald’s Omega. Validity was verified using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis in addition to convergent and discriminant validity.
Results of the research indicated a high level of cognitive distortions as measured either by the cognitive distortion scale (CDS) or the cognitive distortions questionnaire (CD-Quest). Statistical significant difference was found between students mean score on the CDS and CD-Quest favoring the (CDS) indicating that the (CDS) is more accurate in reporting cognitive distortions than the (CQ-quest). Gender differences measured by the (CDS) revealed non-significant differences in seven types of cognitive distortions and significant differences in three types (mind reading, mental filter, and emotional reasoning) in addition to the total score of the CDS favoring females (males scored higher than females). Gender differences measured by the (CD-Quest) revealed non-significant differences in eleven types of cognitive distortions and significant differences in four types (should statements, what if, fortune-telling, and discounting the positive) in addition to the total score of the CDS favoring females (males scored higher than females). The (CDS) was good predictor of anxiety while did not predict depression. The CD-Quest was good predictor of Depression while did not predict anxiety.