Cross-national measurement invariance of the Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire for clinical psychology professionals and trainees

Introduction: Clinical psychology professionals and trainees face significant occupational stress, which can lead to repetitive negative thinking (RNT). The Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire for Clinical Psychology Trainees (PTQ-CPT) measures RNT in this population. This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties and cross-national measurement invariance of the PTQ-CPT in three Latin American countries. Method: The sample comprised 475 participants from Colombia (n = 101), Mexico (n = 253), and Peru (n = 121). The participants were clinical psychology professionals and trainees. Data were collected via an online survey. The PTQ-CPT, along with measurements of depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and confidence in clinical skills, were administered. Confirmatory factor analysis, measurement invariance testing, a graded response model, and correlational analyses were conducted. Results: A unidimensional structure with a pair of correlated errors provided the best fit for the PTQ-CPT. Metric invariance across countries was confirmed, while scalar invariance was supported by the pragmatic criterion (difference in CFI < .01) but not by the strict criterion (difference in 2). The graded response model showed that item 5 had the greatest informative capacity. PTQ-CPT scores correlated positively with depressive (r = .45) and anxiety (r = .56) symptoms, and negatively with confidence in clinical skills (r = -.58). Conclusions: The PTQ-CPT demonstrated adequate psychometric properties and cross-national measurement invariance. It is a reliable and valid tool for assessing RNT in clinical psychology professionals and trainees across Colombia, Mexico, and Peru. These findings support the use of the PTQ-CPT in cross-cultural research and clinical practice.