Pilot Study of Psychometric Properties of an Arabic version of the Third Long Form of the Young Schema Questionnaire: Preliminary Findings

Abstract

Early Maladaptive Schemas represent an essential component of the schema therapy model. Hence, the availability of a psychometrically sound version of the Young Schema Questionnaire is a prerequisite for utilizing this model efficiently. This study aimed to fulfill this need preliminarily. In a correlational and cross-sectional design, data were collected from a convenience sample consisting of 170 Saudis (34.1 % female), with age ranging from 16 to 54, average 23.89 (±5. 23) years. The long third form of Young Schema Questionnaire (YSQ-L3), comprised of 232 items distributed into 18 subscales (i.e., schemas), was translated into Arabic. The translated YSQ-L3 along with depression and anxiety dimensions derived from the Symptoms Checklist-90 were administered. Cronbach's αs ranged from 0.62 to 0.86 (average 0.76, ±.07). Twenty-five items (10.78 %) did not correlate with their schemas significantly. Schemas measures associated with the total score in values between 0.49 and 0.85 (average 0.73 ±.09). Except for self-sacrifice schema, schemas intercorrelations were positive and statistically significant, with an average of 0.52. With the exception of self-sacrifice and unrelenting-standards, schemas associated with depression and anxiety, in coefficients ranging from 0.30 to 0.65; and differentiated between those with high and low levels of psychological distress. No links were found between schemas and gender or age. Findings were discussed following the YSQ-L3’s theoretical basis and previous reports. Overall, findings seem to support further investigations of the psychometric suitability of the scale further, employing larger samples and advanced analytical techniques