Comparison of Negative Automatic Thoughts and Self-Efficacy Levels in Mental Disorders

Abstract

PURPOSE: To compare the levels of negative automatic thoughts (NATs) and self-efficacy among individuals with different mental disorders and examine the relationship between NATs and self-efficacy levels across the sample. METHOD: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 187 individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder, depression, schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, anxiety, and substance use disorder (SUD) who attended a psychiatry outpatient clinic. Data were collected using the Negative Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire (NATQ) and General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE). RESULTS: Mean GSE total score of individuals with SUD and schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders was lower and mean NATQ total score was higher than other groups (p < .001). A significant negative correlation was found between mean GSE total score and mean NATQ total score (r = -0.983; p < .001). Mean NATQ total score explained 96.7% of the score obtained from the GSE (R-2 = 0.967; p < .001). CONCLUSION: Individuals with mental disorders had high levels of NATs and low levels of self-efficacy. Given the higher levels of NATs and lower self-efficacy observed among individuals with SUD and schizophrenia, these groups may benefit from additional support and interventions targeting cognitive distortions and self-efficacy.