HIT-How I Think Questionnaire

This widely used questionnaire can be used independently or to enhance the EQUIP training program.

It measures four categories of self-serving cognitive distortions (thinking errors)—Self-Centered, Blaming Others, Minimizing/Mislabeling, and Assuming the Worst.

The questionnaire is a 54-item measure that can be administered in groups or with individuals. It is typically completed in 5 to 15 minutes and requires only a fourth-grade reading level. The questionnaire, which includes scoring and computation instructions and forms, is useful in assessment, treatment planning, tracking therapeutic progress, and individual- or program-level outcome evaluation.

The How I Think (HIT) Questionnaire is sold in sets of 20 and is accompanied by a 44-page manual.

Subscales

The How I Think (HIT) Questionnaire contains 54 items divided into four cognitive distortion subscales:

1. Self-Centered
2. Blaming Others
3. Minimizing/Mislabeling
4. Assuming the Worst

The items are also applied to four behavioral referent subscales:

1. Opposition-Defiance
2. Physical Aggression
3. Lying
4. Stealing

Sample questionnaire items:

• Rules are mostly meant for other people.
• If I really want to do something, I don’t care if it’s legal or not.
• You have to get even with people who don’t show you respect.
• People are always trying to hassle me.

Response to each item is along a 6-point Likert type scale (from agree strongly to disagree strongly).