Frequency as a moderating variable in self-report measures of negative cognition

Based on responses to the Distressing Thoughts Questionnaire, subjects' most frequent depressive and anxious cognitions were selected and compared with representative low frequency thought statements. The high frequency cognitions were more emotionally intense, uncontrollable and unacceptable than the low frequency thoughts. Although high frequency anxious items were rated as more frequent than high frequency depressive statements, no differences were evident in emotional intensity and controllability. Furthermore thoughts of loss and failure were specifically predictive of dysphoria only when high frequency cognitive items were utilized. The implications of these findings for cognitive assessment issues were discussed.