A psychometric evaluation of the Irrational Beliefs Inventory in a marital context

The measurement of irrational beliefs has been problematic because of contamination by neuroticism, low reliability, and poor factor structure. Koopmans, Sanderson, Timmerman, and Emmelkamp (1994) developed the Irrational Beliefs Inventory (IBI) to address these issues. As yet, few studies have validated its properties. The current study investigated the psychometric properties of the IBI with an Australian, married sample (N = 127). The findings were consistent with Koopmans et al.; specifically, the results indicated the IBI is (a) is reasonably distinct from neuroticism, (b) is reliable, and (c) measures five constructs. Evidence indicated that the Emotional Irresponsibility subscale may need revision. The IBI correlated in the expected direction with both individual and relationship variables.