Comparison of Negative Automatic Thoughts and Self-Efficacy Levels in Mental Disorders
Özlem Şahin Altun, Duygu Özer, Eylül BaşerPurpose:
To compare the levels of negative automatic thoughts (NATs) and self-efficacy among individuals with different mental disorders and examine the relationship between NATs and self-efficacy levels across the sample.
Method:
This cross-sectional study was conducted with 187 individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder, depression, schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, anxiety, and substance use disorder (SUD) who attended a psychiatry outpatient clinic. Data were collected using the Negative Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire (NATQ) and General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE).
Results:
Mean GSE total score of individuals with SUD and schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders was lower and mean NATQ total score was higher than other groups (
Conclusion:
Individuals with mental disorders had high levels of NATs and low levels of self-efficacy. Given the higher levels of NATs and lower self-efficacy observed among individuals with SUD and schizophrenia, these groups may benefit from additional support and interventions targeting cognitive distortions and self-efficacy.