Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ)
Duration: 5-10 minQuestion 1 of 16
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If I do not have enough time to do everything, I do not worry about it.
FAQs
What is the Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ)?
The PSWQ is a 16-item self-report measure designed to assess the trait of worry in adults.
Who developed the PSWQ and when?
Developed by Thomas D. Borkovec and colleagues in 1990; widely used since then.
What type of assessment is the PSWQ?
It is a self-report questionnaire measuring pathological worry and generalized anxiety.
What does the PSWQ assess?
- Excessive worry and anxiety
- Uncontrollable worry patterns
- Generalized anxiety disorder symptoms
- Worry as a cognitive process
How many items and what format?
16 items, rated 1-5 (1=Not at all typical, 5=Very typical).
How is the PSWQ scored?
Total score 16-80; scores ≥45 suggest pathological worry.
Are there versions of the PSWQ?
Original 16-item version; PSWQ-A for adolescents; PSWQ-C for children.
Who can use the PSWQ?
Adults with anxiety symptoms; used in clinical and research settings.
What are the strengths of the PSWQ?
Excellent psychometric properties, good discriminant validity, widely validated.
What are the limitations of the PSWQ?
Not a diagnostic tool; requires clinical interpretation.
How is the PSWQ used?
GAD screening, treatment monitoring, research on worry and anxiety.