Background
Recently, a team of international experts proposed a reformulation of the theory underlying Schema Therapy — an empirically validated approach for the treatment of personality disorders and other long-lasting mental health challenges.
In simple terms, the reformulation entailed three key aspects. First, it was proposed that new schemas are added to the existing list of Early Maladaptive Schemas based on theoretical considerations and research evidence. Second, the proposal advocated for a refinement of the definition of the ways people cope with the activation of these schemas. Lastly, new Schema Modes were proposed by systematically applying the updated theory.
With this information in mind, we started an international project aimed at revising and extending the three self-report instruments commonly used to assess Schema Therapy-related constructs in both research settings and in clinical practice. These instruments are the Young Schema Questionnaire (YSQ), the Schema Coping Inventory (SCI) and the Schema Mode Inventory (SMI).
Study’s Objectives
In collaboration with researchers, therapists and clinicians from various countries around the world, we are conducting the first empirical study aimed at examining the reliability and validity of the newly revised assessment instruments (i.e., YSQ, SCI, and SMI). In other words, we want to determine how accurately these tools measure what they are designed to measure. Additionally, our objective is to explore the relationships among the three core concepts — early maladaptive schemas, ways of coping with schema activation, and schema modes— as outlined in the redefined theory.
This study will take place simultaneously in more than 30 countries as the ultimate goal of this project is to ensure that the updated instruments are both applicable and useful across diverse cultures and languages. Ensuring that validated tools are available for use in clinical practice across diverse countries is essential, especially given the growing utilization of Schema Therapy worldwide. Moreover, it is also important that well-validated instruments are available in different countries for research purposes.
With this research, we aspire to broaden the use of the Schema Therapy framework to provide a more inclusive coverage of various mental health disorders and specific psychological concerns. The current study marks the first step in this ongoing process.
If you are interested in participating in this study or you are working as a therapist and have clients who might want to participate, please contact us!