Information
The Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ) is a psychological scale designed to measure pathological worry, which is a central feature of generalized anxiety disorder. Developed by Meyer and colleagues in 1990, the PSWQ serves as a diagnostic tool for assessing excessive and uncontrollable worrying, a hallmark of generalized anxiety disorder.
The application of the PSWQ has significantly contributed to the early diagnosis and effective treatment of individuals suffering from generalized anxiety disorder. Research studies employing this scale have allowed clinicians to identify individuals with elevated levels of pathological worry, enabling them to tailor appropriate treatment strategies.
For example, a study by Brown and Barlow (2002) assessed the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for generalized anxiety disorder. They used the PSWQ to screen and diagnose participants with the disorder and tracked their progress throughout the therapy. The results demonstrated the utility of the PSWQ in identifying individuals who would benefit from CBT, a highly effective treatment for generalized anxiety disorder.
Items of the Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ)
The PSWQ comprises 16 items, each rated on a Likert-type scale. Individuals respond to these items based on the extent to which they identify with statements related to worry and anxiety. Here are some example items:
"Once I start worrying, I can't stop."
"I've been a worrier all my life."
"My worries are uncontrollable."
"I worry all the time."
"I notice that I have been worrying about things."
The PSWQ items focus on the cognitive and emotional aspects of pathological worry, offering a comprehensive assessment of an individual's propensity to engage in excessive, uncontrollable worrying.
In addition to established scales, clinical psychology continues to evolve with the development of new scales that enhance diagnostic precision and provide fresh insights into mental health conditions. Two recent scales in this field are:
