Uncovering Cognitive Distortions in Adolescents: Cultural Adaptation and Calibration of an Arabic Version of the “How I Think Questionnaire”
Fairouz Azaiez,
Amayra Tannoubi,
Taoufik Selmi,
Frank Quansah,
Medina Srem-Sai,
John Elvis Hagan,
Chiraz Azaiez,
Houda Bougrine,
Nasr Chalghaf,
Ghada Boussayala,
Imane Ghalmi,
Mazin Inhaier Lami,
Mazin Dawood Ahmed AL-Hayali,
Ahmed Wateed Mazyed Shdr AL-Rubaiawi,
Nabee Muttlak Nasser AL-Sadoon
Affiliations
Fairouz Azaiez
Department of Education, Higher Institute of Sport, and Physical Education of Gafsa, University of Gafsa, Gafsa 2100, Tunisia
Amayra Tannoubi
High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Kef, University of Jendouba, Jendouba 7100, Tunisia
Taoufik Selmi
Department of Education, Higher Institute of Sport, and Physical Education of Gafsa, University of Gafsa, Gafsa 2100, Tunisia
Frank Quansah
Department of Educational Foundations, University of Education, Winneba P.O. Box 25, Ghana
Medina Srem-Sai
Department of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Sports, University of Education, Winneba P.O. Box 25, Ghana
John Elvis Hagan
Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast PMB TF0494, Ghana
Chiraz Azaiez
Department of Education, Higher Institute of Sport, and Physical Education of Gafsa, University of Gafsa, Gafsa 2100, Tunisia
Houda Bougrine
Department of Education, Higher Institute of Sport, and Physical Education of Gafsa, University of Gafsa, Gafsa 2100, Tunisia
Nasr Chalghaf
Department of Education, Higher Institute of Sport, and Physical Education of Gafsa, University of Gafsa, Gafsa 2100, Tunisia
Ghada Boussayala
Department of Education, Higher Institute of Sport, and Physical Education of Gafsa, University of Gafsa, Gafsa 2100, Tunisia
Imane Ghalmi
Department of Fundamental Education in Sciences and Techniques of Physical and Sports Activities, University of Mohamed Cherif Messadia, Souk Ahras 41000, Algeria
Mazin Inhaier Lami
College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, University of Wasit, Wasit 52001, Iraq
Mazin Dawood Ahmed AL-Hayali
High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax 3000, Tunisia
Ahmed Wateed Mazyed Shdr AL-Rubaiawi
High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax 3000, Tunisia
Nabee Muttlak Nasser AL-Sadoon
Laboratoire the Maghreb Arabe, Faculty of Human and Social Science of Sfax, Sfax 3029, Tunisia
This study adapted and validated the How I Think Questionnaire (HIT-Q), intending to develop an Arabic version of the measure. The study assessed the (a) factorial structure of the Arabic version of the How I Think Questionnaire (A-HIT-Q), (b) construct validity evidence of the A-HIT-Q based on the internal structure of the scale, and (c) criterion validity evidence, highlighting how the cognitive distortions measure relates to some key theoretical variables such as depression. This study involved 762 Tunisian students aged 15–22 years, using a non-probabilistic sampling method. The students were boys (n = 297) and girls (n = 465). They completed self-report forms on Arabic-HIT-Q, depression (HADS), sleep (ISI), and physical activity participation, adhering to all relevant ethical considerations. Exploratory analysis revealed four factors which accounted for 73.46% of the variations in the distortion measure. Reliability analysis showed good internal consistency (α = 0.915) and temporal stability (r = 0.879). Criterion validity evidence showed cognitive distortion (as measured with the A-HIT-Q) was significantly associated with physical activity participation, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. However, no significant relationship has been observed between cognitive distortion, age, gender, and study levels. The evidence gathered supports the utility of the A-HIT-Q. Thus, the instrument demonstrates high efficacy in assessing the levels of cognitive distortions among adolescent students residing in Arabic-speaking regions.
