Outcome assessment in psychotherapy: validity evidence of the Outcome Questionnaire Short Form

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to investigate validity evidence of content, of internal structure, and associations with external variables for the measure Outcome Questionnaire Short Form adapting the form to a Brazilian-Portuguese language version. Method The study involved 235 adults, 45 males (19.1%) and 189 females (80.4%), aged between 18 and 63 years old (M = 28.82; SD = 9.25). A sociodemographic questionnaire, the Outcome Questionnaire Short Form, the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale Short Form, the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale and the Satisfaction with Life Scale were applied. Results The scale showed good internal consistency with 0.88 Cronbach’s alpha; correlations with external variables were significant and exhibited the expected direction. Conclusion The investigated scale is adequate in its Brazilian-Portuguese language version and constitutes a valued tool to be used by health professionals aiming to evidence the progress and outcome of a psychotherapy.