Evaluation of the convergent validity of Young's questionnaires

Young's schema therapy is based on two questionnaires: the Young Schema Questionnaire (YSQ) and the Schema Mode Inventory (SMI). The YSQ describes 18 early maladaptive schemas (EMSs), and the French-language version of the YSQ has been validated. The SMI is based on 14 schema modes representing the set of EMSs that are active at a given time and that correspond to an ego state. The SMI is specific for personality disorders. The objective of the present study was to identify correlations between the YSQ and the SMI and between each of these two questionnaires and a personality questionnaire. We expected to find correlations between the YSQ-S3 and the SMI. We also expected that the YSQ-S3 and the SMI would be more strongly correlated with Neuroticism than with the EPQR-A's other dimensions.

A group of 231 students filled out the French-language version of the short-form YSQ (YSQ-S3), the short-form SMI, and the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire Revised-Abbreviated (EPQR-A): 126 participants filled out paper questionnaires and 105 completed the questionnaires online. Correlation coefficients were calculated as a guide to the convergent validity of the two questionnaires.

All but two of the modes (Enraged Child and Bully and Attack) were correlated with the various EMSs. The Self-Aggrandiser mode had few links to the EMSs but showed a strong correlation with the Unrelenting Standards schema. Five modes were correlated with 16 EMSs, and six other modes were correlated with between 12 and 15 EMSs. The Vulnerable Child mode was strongly correlated with six EMSs. The Punitive Parent mode presented three strong correlations, and the Detached Protector and Healthy Adult modes each presented two strong correlations. Four other modes were strongly correlated with one EMS each. Neuroticism was correlated with a large number of modes and EMSs. Extraversion appeared to be less strongly linked and showed negative correlations with modes (except for the Happy Child and Healthy Adult modes). Psychoticism was correlated with few modes and very few EMSs.

The Enraged Child and Bully and Attack modes (defined by extreme anger and aggressiveness) were not correlated with many EMSs. The same was true for the Self-Aggrandiser mode. However, the latter mode was strongly and positively correlated with the Unrelenting Standards schema. The Vulnerable Child mode presented the strongest correlations with various schemas and was most strongly correlated with Neuroticism. An internalized, punitive attitude in the parent (Punitive Parent) was linked to a very negative self-image (S4), subjugation to others (S12), and negativity/pessimism (S15). Neuroticism appeared to be more strongly correlated with psychiatric disorders than with Extraversion. Psychoticism appeared to be very weakly correlated with the EMSs and only slightly more strongly with the modes. The theoretical constructs of certain modes appear to be closer to those of Psychoticism than those of the EMSs.

The correlations between various modes and EMSs confirmed that modes are composed of different schemas: the less a person is subjugated or dependent on others, the more likely they are to present a Healthy Adult mode.