Validation of the Chinese Version of the Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire

Background Repetitive negative thinking (RNT) contributes significantly to anxiety and depression. The Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire (PTQ) was developed as a measure of the content-independent form of RNT. The current study aimed to validate a Chinese version of the PTQ and to examine a transdiagnostic model of anxiety and depression with a focus on the effects of RNT and intolerance of uncertainty (IU). Methods We first validated a Chinese version of the PTQ in two Chinese-speaking samples recruited using a web-based data collection method. We then examined the mediating effect of RNT in the relationship between IU and symptoms of anxiety and depression in these two samples. Results The results provided evidence of reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the PTQ. A modified second-order model of the PTQ (Chinese version) was supported. Mediation analysis demonstrated that RNT partially mediated the association between IU and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Conclusions The validation of the Chinese version of the PTQ enables assessment of content-independent RNT in Chinese-speaking samples. Further, the current findings showed that IU and RNT together contributed to greater severity of anxiety and depression, providing implications for potential treatment avenues for emotional disorders.