A factor analysis of Ellis' irrational beliefs

In an effort to identify, organize, and operationally define the philosophies that underlie Albert Ellis' self-defeating beliefs, the authors factored an 11-item irrational-values self-report instrument given to 190 psychiatric patients. Four factors emerged and were named to reflect the contents of their items–“I need to control a dangerous world,” “Self-assertion is painful,” “I need affirmation.” and “I lack control over my fate”.