Doctoral Thesis
Enhancing the assessment of Early Maladaptive Schemas: Development of a Rasch version of the Young Schema Questionnaire (YSQ-R)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Murdoch University
2023
Abstract
Schema Therapy is an integrative therapeutic model for treating chronic psychological disorders. Central to Schema Therapy are constructs known as Early Maladaptive Schemas (EMS). EMS function as ‘filters’ through which individuals understand themselves, others, and the world. Accurately assessing a patient’s EMS is important as these guide the therapy process. Psychometric assessment of EMS is conducted using the Young Schema Questionnaire (YSQ). To date, investigations on factor structure, construct and predictive validity of the various iterations of the YSQ have produced inconsistent findings. Overreliance on non-clinical samples, language translation inaccuracies, and the use of poorly validated inventories account for these inconsistencies. The overall aim of the present research was to derive a new YSQ version (YSQ-R) by using modern test theory. Firstly, a factor analysis of the current long-form (YSQ-L3) was undertaken to understand its primary and higher-order factor structure. The original ‘Emotional Inhibition’ schema separated into ‘Emotional Constriction’ and ‘Fear of Losing Control’, and ‘Punitiveness’ likewise separated into ‘Punitiveness (Self)’ and ‘Punitiveness (Other)’, revealing 20 EMS rather than the 18 described in the original model. The relationship of the 20 EMS to the theoretical underpinnings of the Schema Therapy model was explored. Secondly, a Rasch model was applied to the YSQ-L3. Overall, 116 out of 232 items were retained from the YSQ-L3, as were the 20 aforementioned EMS. Finally, the predictive validity of the YSQ-R was compared with the YSQ-L3 and the current short form YSQ (YSQ-S3) across different measures of psychological distress in 3 clinical groups and a non-clinical sample. Test equating techniques were first applied to derive a common metric to ensure each YSQ version was directly comparable. The YSQ-R and the YSQ-L3 were comparable, both performing better than the YSQ-S3. Given its brevity and validity, the YSQ-R was recommended for use in research and clinical settings.
Details
- Title
- Enhancing the assessment of Early Maladaptive Schemas: Development of a Rasch version of the Young Schema Questionnaire (YSQ-R)
- Authors/Creators
- Ozgur Yalcin
- Contributors
- Helen Davis (Supervisor) - Murdoch University, Centre for Healthy AgeingChristopher Lee (Supervisor) - Murdoch UniversityIda Marais (Supervisor) - Murdoch UniversityHelen Correia (Supervisor) - Murdoch University
- Awarding Institution
- Murdoch University; Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Identifiers
- 991005609568507891
- Murdoch Affiliation
- School of Psychology
- Resource Type
- Doctoral Thesis
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