Translation and validation for the Portuguese adult population of the persistent and intrusive negative thoughts scale : assessing measurement invariance

Abstract

Repetitive negative thinking (RNT) is a transdiagnostic construct associated with a variety of emotional disorders. To date, disorder-specific self-report measures have been found to capture specific types of RNT. The Persistent and Intrusive Negative Thoughts Scale (PINTS) is a 5-item measure developed to overcome current limitations. The current study aims to translate and validate the PINTS for the Portuguese population. An online sample consisting of 432 participants (213 men, 219 women) completed the PINTS—PT and a set of related self-report measures. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the one-factor model fitted the Portuguese version and supported the proposed factorial structure. Reliability analyses showed good internal consistency and excellent temporal stability. Convergent and criterion validity results also showed good values. Overall, the PINTS—PT proved to be a brief and reliable measure for assessing persistent and intrusive negative thoughts, and its use in clinical and research contexts is recommended.