: Perseverative negative thinking is a key cognitive process associated with psychological distress in children and adolescents. Given Afghanistan’s ongoing challenges, a reliable self-report measure such as the PTQ-C is essential for accurate assessment among Afghan youth.

: The present study aimed to translate and validate the Dari/Farsi version of the Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire for Children (PTQ-C) in a sample of Afghan children and adolescents exposed to trauma.

: The statistical population of this study consisted of 265 trauma-exposed Afghan children and adolescents. In this study, children and adolescents 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-C within two weeks. In this study, the PTQ-C and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale- 21 Items (DASS-21) were administered.

: The confirmatory factor analysis (CFI) results showed that the single-factor model of PTQ-C had a good fit ( χ ² /df = 2.51, CFI = .92, RMSEA = .07). Furthermore, PTQ-C showed a moderate positive association with depression, anxiety, and stress ( r (265) = .34, .24, .32, p < .05), an acceptable test-retest reliability, ( r (40) = .72, p < .05), and demonstrated good internal consistency ( α  = .83; ω=.87).

: Given its strong psychometric properties, the Dari/Farsi version of the PTQ-C 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.