Factor structure of the Young Positive Schema Questionnaire in an eating disorder sample

Abstract

Abstract Purpose The Young Positive Schema Questionnaire (YPSQ) measures early adaptive schemas (EAS) which could be used to develop positive psychology and schema-based interventions to benefit the treatment of eating disorders (EDs). Methods The present study investigated the factor structure of the YPSQ in a sample of 826 participants (18–73 years; n = 753 women) with ED symptomatology (e.g., restricting, binging, and purging). The sample was randomly split into two groups for exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Full sample analysis using Pearson correlations was conducted to explore convergent validity of the new YSPQ factor structure with ED symptomatology, emotional regulation, and cognitive flexibility. Results A nine-factor model was found, demonstrating good fit indices and internal consistency (α = 0.77–0.92). The YPSQ showed an inverse relationship to ED symptomatology and emotional suppression, and a positive relationship with cognitive flexibility and emotion reappraisal. Conclusion Further research is needed to explore the clinical benefits of the YPSQ to identify EAS deficits in individuals with EDs to improve treatment outcomes. Level of evidence Level V, descriptive study.