Penn State Worry Questionnaire

What it measures

Measures trait-level tendency toward excessive, uncontrollable worry — the hallmark feature of GAD. Captures the pervasiveness and uncontrollability of worry rather than its content. High discriminant validity from depression and other anxiety measures.

Representative items

• If I do not have enough time to do everything, I do not worry about it. (R)
• My worries overwhelm me.
• I do not tend to worry about things. (R)
• Many situations make me worry.
• I know I should not worry about things, but I just cannot help it.

Citation

Meyer, T.J., Miller, M.L., Metzger, R.L., & Borkovec, T.D. (1990). Development and validation of the Penn State Worry Questionnaire. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 28(6), 487–495.