Interpersonal problem behaviors associated with dysfunctional attitudes

In recent years, there has been increasing interest in the integration of cognitive and interpersonal features of depression and other emotional and behavioral disorders. Based on the hypothesis that cognitive and interpersonal styles mutually influence one another the current study examined the perceived interpersonal problem behaviors associated with dysfunctional attitudes regarding themes of achievement and autonomy versus approval and acceptance in a sample of 390 undergraduates. Results suggested that dysfunctional attitudes regarding achievement and autonomy, and to a lesser extent approval and acceptance, were related to perceived problematic interpersonal behaviors. A secondary purpose of the study was to conduct a confirmatory factor analysis of Cane, Clinger Gotlib, and Kuiper's (1986) two-factor model of the Dysfunctional Attitude Scale. Results provided only a modest replication of a two-factor solution. Post hoc modifications resulted in a revised two-factor solution that provided a better fit with the data.