Turkish adaptation, validity and reliability study of the Cognitive Distortions Scale

The aim of this study was to adapt Cognitive Distortions Scale (CDS) developed by Covin & Dozois (2011) into Turkish and analyze its validity and reliability. Adapting the scale to Turkish, aimed at compliance with culture and the consequence of that in order to get more realistic results. In the scope of this study, different types of cognitive distortions and mental health variables were evaluated. The statistically significant relationships were detected between the diseases evaluated by this scale such as depression, anxiety, rumination and the cognitive distortions. In addition to that, statistically significant relationships were found in the analysis of the cognitive distortions among themselves so that cognitive distortions trigger each other and as a style of thinking it can affect all aspects of a patient's life. Detecting the cognitive distortions and errors can be possible with the scale obtained from the research. In this manner, the illnesses caused by cognitive distortions can be prevented and cautioned. This study, shows it is important in respect of the scale used it may be possible to detect the patient's automatic thoughts and apply a therapy in this direction. Key Words: Cognitive Distortions Scale, Cognitive Distortions, ValidityReliability