Validation of schema coping inventory and schema mode inventory in adolescents

This study investigated whether the schema therapy constructs of schema coping and schema modes have validity in adolescents. We examined the validity and reliability of the Schema Coping Inventory (SCI) and an 80-item version of the Schema Mode Inventory (SMI) in a mixed sample of adolescents. Confirmatory factor analyses showed that the first-order factor structures of the SCI and SMI were replicated, but that the hypothesized higher-order models of the SMI were not confirmed. Instead, we proposed an alternative higher-order model of Internalizing, Externalizing, Overachieving, and Healthy modes. In general, the SCI and SMI scales were able to distinguish the clinical sample from the community sample, and meaningful relationships were found between coping styles, schema modes, and behavior problems. In conclusion, our study supports the theorized relationships between schema coping styles, schema modes, and behavior problems in adolescents, and provides initial validation for the SCI and the 80-item SMI in adolescent populations.