Development and Validation of the Adaptive Schema Questionnaire

Abstract

Background: Schemas help with the organization and interpretation of information. Adaptive schemas indicate positive predisposing thinking patterns in an individual. This study aimed to develop a psychometrically robust tool to assess adaptive schema in a nonclinical sample. Method: This research comprises two independent studies. Study I was multiphased. In Phase I ( n = 70), 36 open-ended items were generated following the Young schema therapy model and qualitatively analyzed. This facilitated the generation of 144 items in Phase II ( n = 152) which were evaluated for content validity and subjected to rigorous item analysis. Exploratory factor analysis was performed in Phase III ( n = 751). Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted in Study II ( n = 244). Results: Exploratory factor analysis resulted in a six-factor solution comprising 25 items. These factors correspond to the six adaptive themes, namely, adequate, secured, self-reliant/autonomous, resistant, successful, and self-assured. The newly developed Adaptive Schema Questionnaire demonstrated adequate reliability (α = 0.86). Significant correlations between the obtained factors and Early Maladaptive Schemas, depression, big five personality factors, and positive and negative effects established the concurrent validity. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated acceptable goodness of fit for the obtained model. Conclusion: The developed Adaptive Schema Questionnaire is a reliable and valid instrument with promising utility in psychotherapy and research context.