Evidence of Validity for the Brazilian Version of the Young Schema Questionnaire—Short Form (YSQ-S3)

Abstract

Early maladaptive schemas (EMS) are dysfunctional structures formed by emotions, cognitions, memories, and physical sensations. The Young schema questionnaire—short form (YSQ-S3), a 90-item self-report instrument with a 6-point Likert scale, was developed to measure the 18 EMS. This study aimed to present evidence of the validity of the YSQ-S3 instrument for use in Brazil, involving a general population sample of 1,050 individuals. The YSQ-S3 and symptom checklist (SCL-90) forms were applied. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to assess the factor structure and validity evidence based on relations to other variables through correlating with clinical psychological symptoms. The results indicated good evidence of validity. Cronbach’s alpha was satisfactory for all EMS (α between 0.74 and 0.94). The fit of the factor model were shown to be adequate and the instrument had good validity. It was possible to verify satisfactory evidence of validity for use of the instrument in the Brazilian population. The importance of future studies involving clinical samples is emphasized.