Beck's cognitive triad: One versus three factors

This study examined the factorial validity of the cognitive triad (view of self, world, and future) hypothesized by A. T. Beck (1987) to be a key depr ession-related variable. A nonclinical sample (N = 641) of university under graduates completed the Cognitive Triad Inventory (CTI; Beckham, Leber, Wat kins, Boyer, & Cook, 1986). Although an initial confirmatory factor analysi s failed to support a three-factor model for the cn drawn from Beck's parad igm, a principal components analysis yielded a single factor which was labe led, "Self-Relevant Negative Attitude." Additional analyses confirmed the v iability of the one-factor solution and showed that the cn was still a reli able scale with 12 as opposed to the original 30 items. Theoretical and pra ctical implications are discussed.