Endorsement of Ellis' Irrational Beliefs as a function of age

Administered to a total of 788 children from grade 5 (N = 133), 7 (N = 193), 9 (N = 151), 11 (N = 158), and 13 (N = 153) a modification of Ellis' 11 irrational beliefs questionnaire reformulated for use with younger children. Results showed a linear decrease of percent item endorsement from younger to older children on 8 of 11 irrational ideas. Analysis of variance on the mean number of irrational ideas endorsed showed significant differences between children. Results indicated that endorsing irrational beliefs is a function of age and provided construct validity for the instrument presented here. Research and counseling uses of the scale are discussed.