Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire: Are You Stuck in Negative Thought Loops?
A science-backed measure of overthinking, worry, and mental fixation.
Do your thoughts ever feel like they’re stuck on a loop—replaying worries, mistakes, or unresolved problems long after they stop being useful? The Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire is a research-based psychological scale designed to assess repetitive negative thinking, a mental pattern closely linked to anxiety, depression, and emotional exhaustion.
Unlike productive reflection or problem-solving, perseverative thinking tends to be intrusive, repetitive, and difficult to disengage from. People who score high on the test often report trouble concentrating, decision fatigue, and feeling mentally “trapped” by their own thoughts. This test helps identify how strongly these patterns show up in your everyday thinking.
If you’re curious how overthinking overlaps with related experiences, you may also want to explore the Mistake Rumination Scale or the Anxiety Sensitivity Test, which examine specific emotional and cognitive tendencies that often accompany repetitive negative thoughts.
Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire: Take The 15-Item Test
Source
Ehring, T., Zetsche, U., Weidacker, K., Wahl, K., Schönfeld, S., & Ehlers, A. (2011). The Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire (PTQ): Validation of a content-independent measure of repetitive negative thinking. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 42(2), 225–232. [Read Paper]
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this quiz take?
This quiz takes about 3-5 minutes to complete.
Are my responses private?
Yes, all Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire answers are anonymized and confidential.
Can I take this test more than once?
Yes, you can retake the test any time to see how your Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire results may have changed.
Will this quiz diagnose a mental health condition?
No. This quiz is for self-reflection and educational purposes only and is not a diagnostic tool.
Can my results help me manage overthinking better?
Yes. Understanding your level of repetitive negative thinking can help you recognize unhelpful mental patterns and take steps toward healthier coping strategies.
Disclaimer
This scale is designed for entertainment purposes and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment.
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