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.

Response format

Likert (1–5, not at all typical of me to very typical of me)

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.

This is a licensed instrument — representative items are shown for reference only. Obtain the original scale materials from the publisher before use in research.

Usage notes & scoring

(R)=reverse-scored (items 1, 3, 8, 10, 11). Total range 16–80; scores >=45 suggest clinically significant worry. Excellent discriminant validity from depression. Primary outcome in CBT and ACT trials for GAD.

Recommended companion scales

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.

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