Perseverative negative thinking is a significant cognitive process strongly associated with psychological distress and mental disorders. In light of Afghanistan’s ongoing social and economic challenges, a reliable self-report measure is essential for accurate clinical assessment among Afghan populations.

The present study aimed to translate and validate the Dari/Farsi version of the Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire (PTQ) in a sample of Afghan students.

The statistical population of this study consisted of 254 undergraduate students at Herat University, Afghanistan, who were enrolled in the 2024–25 academic year. In this study, students were selected using convenience sampling and completed an online survey (Qualtrics). To calculate test-retest reliability, 40 individuals were also selected and completed the PTQ within two weeks. In this study, the PTQ and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale- 21 Items (DASS-21) were administered.

The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) results showed that the three-factor model and the second-order three-factor model of PTQ had the same and a good fit ( χ ² /df = 2.35, CFI = .94, RMSEA = .07). Furthermore, PTQ showed a moderate positive association with depression, anxiety, and stress ( r (254) = .66, 0.56, 0.60, p < .05), a strong test-retest reliability, ( r (40) = .73, p < .05), and excellent internal consistency ( α = .92).

Given its strong psychometric properties, the Dari/Farsi version of the PTQ can be considered a reliable tool for both research purposes and clinical assessment. Its use is highly recommended for psychologists and mental health practitioners in diagnostic contexts as well as in investigative and applied studies.