Social Desirability and Endorsement of Irrational Beliefs

Abstract

Irrational beliefs have been proposed as causal agents in emotional disorders. Endorsement of such beliefs is positively correlated with anxiety, depression, and anger. However, measurement of irrational beliefs may reflect social-desirability bias. 159 subjects completed validated measures of irrational beliefs and a measure of social desirability. Three of nine belief scales were negatively correlated with social desirability. It is concluded that the content of the Irrational Beliefs Test is not compromised due to a bias to respond in a culturally sanctioned manner.