Structured versus free-recall measures: Effect on report of worry themes

Over the past decade, researchers have attempted to measure worry themes. Some have used free-recall measures (e.g., Craske, Rapee, Jackel & Barlow, Behaviour Research and Therapy, 27, 397–402, 1989) whereas others have constructed structured questionnaires (e.g. Tallis, Eysenck & Mathews, Personality and Individual Differences, 13, 161–168, 1992). This study investigates worry themes in a sample of university students using a free-recall measure (Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire—Modified) and a structured questionnaire (Worry Domains Questionnaire). Overall, results show that worries were closely related to situational characteristics, as worries about studies, finances, work and intimate relationships were most frequent. Comparison of both measures reveals that major worry themes were ranked similarly but correlations between reported themes were weak. Further, stability of number of worries and specific worry themes was moderately to highly stable over a 4 week test-retest period. The advantages and disadvantages of both types of instruments are discussed and the authors suggest that population-specific structured instruments (using free-recall measures to develop them) would be advantageous for researchers and clinicians alike.