Do you suspect that you might have a psychological disorder and want to understand which one? According to Aaron Beck’s cognitive theory, personality disorders are closely tied to specific core beliefs, and analyzing these beliefs makes it possible to identify which disorder you may be most prone to. Beck argued that our beliefs shape the way we interpret events, which in turn has emotional and behavioral consequences, including the development of psychological disorders.
This theory allowed psychological disorders to be examined through the lens of cognitive distortions and became the foundation for many diagnostic tools, including the “Personality Belief Questionnaire.”
Personality Belief Questionnaire (PBQ)
The Personality Belief Questionnaire (PBQ) was developed in 1991 by Aaron Beck and colleagues as a tool for measuring beliefs associated with specific personality disorders. Its purpose is to uncover the underlying assumptions that shape our behavior and influence our attitudes toward people and events.
The questionnaire consists of 126 items and takes about 15 minutes to complete. It evaluates beliefs typical for individuals with various personality disorders according to the DSM-IV: avoidant, dependent, narcissistic, schizoid, antisocial, histrionic, and other types of disorders. This questionnaire is used in clinical practice as a supplementary tool for assessing patients with suspected personality disorders.
It is important to note that the questionnaire measures only beliefs, not symptoms or behavioral criteria required for a formal diagnosis. A high score on a given scale merely indicates a tendency toward a disorder, as your beliefs resemble those of people who have been diagnosed with it. There are no strict normative values for the scores. The higher your score on a scale, the stronger your predisposition toward a particular type of disorder.
Disclaimer
This questionnaire is published on the website for educational purposes only. Its description, questions, and results should in no way be considered professional advice or a diagnostic tool.
1. I am socially inept and socially undesirable in work or social situations.
2. Other people are potentially critical, indifferent, demeaning, or rejecting.
3. I cannot tolerate unpleasant feelings.
4. If people get close to me, they will discover the “real” me and reject me.
5. Being exposed as inferior or inadequate will be intolerable.
6. I should avoid unpleasant situations at all cost.
7. If I feel or think something unpleasant, I should try to wipe it out or distract myself (for example, think of something else, have a drink, take a drug, or watch television).
8. I should avoid situations in which I attract attention, or be as inconspicuous as possible.
9. Unpleasant feelings will escalate and get out of control.