Assessing irrational beliefs reliably and quickly: Refining and shortening the Spanish version of the Attitudes and Beliefs Scale

The Attitudes and Beliefs Scale (ABS) is a widely used measure of irrational beliefs (IBs) but has important psychometric problems. Our objective to improve the quality Spanish version scale. Classical test theory, item response confirmatory factor analyses were combined obtain shorter scale using 2 samples: one from general population (n= 565) another with chronic pain 514). Pearson correlations performed IBs, personality health measures investigate sources construct validity. After eliminating half items (12), factorial fit became very good (RMSEA< .08; CFI TLI> .95). IBs associated more neuroticism (.21≤ r≤ .61, p≤ .001) poorer mental (-.17≤ -.56, .001), as well less extraversion conscientiousness (-.14≤ -.41, .01). These results replicated in both samples, only physical sample. shortened ABS valid reliable instrument that can be rapidly administered clinical settings.