A new model for basic needs: comparison of the second order factorial structures of young schema questionnaire and its relationship with symptoms of psychopathology

Abstract This study investigates the structure of Young’s early maladaptive schemas, core emotional needs, and their associations with psychopathological symptoms. Early maladaptive schemas and psychopathological symptoms were assessed in three clinical samples from Turkey ( N 1 = 1312, N 2 = 999, N 3 = 999). First-order Principal Component Analysis (PCA) identified 17 schemas, eight of which closely mirrored Young's original schemas. A second-order PCA revealed four schema domains: Impaired Autonomy, Disconnection, Impaired Limits, and Overvigilance. Confirmatory Factor Analyses were employed on distinct samples to compare the PCA model with alternative models, and the PCA model exhibited superior fit across various indices. The study reveals varying relationships between schemas and diverse psychopathological symptoms, providing nuanced insights for tailoring psychotherapeutic strategies and interventions. Symptoms related to interpersonal sensitivity had the strongest connections to schemas, and the factor representing vulnerability to harm and pessimism schemas had the most number of strong connections with psychopathological symptoms. While the study sheds light on the schemas in a Turkish context, future research is essential to validate these findings and explore the predictive aspects of schemas. In essence, this research contributes to understanding of schemas within the Turkish cultural context and its implications for clinical practice.