1
Abandonment/Instability AB
The sense that significant others are unstable or unreliable. The person expects to be abandoned — through departure, death, or unpredictable behavior.
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Clinical tool for Schema Therapy
Young Schema Questionnaire (YSQ) online: identify Early Maladaptive Schemas
The Young Schema Questionnaire (YSQ) is the central assessment instrument of Schema Therapy. Developed by Jeffrey Young, it identifies Early Maladaptive Schemas (EMS) — the patterns of thought and emotional reaction that take shape in childhood and continue to weigh on adult functioning.
The YSQ assesses 18 schemas across 5 domains. In practice, it helps you pinpoint which schemas are active in your patient, so you can adapt your interventions and target the dysfunctional modes.
With YoungScoring, you administer the YSQ online to your patients and receive structured results, ready to use in session.
Clinical reference
The 18 Young schemas
Organized into 5 psychological domains, these Early Maladaptive Schemas are at the heart of Schema Therapy. Codes in parentheses match those used in YoungScoring PDF reports.
Domain 1 of 5
Separation and Rejection
This domain concerns individuals whose needs for safety, stability, and belonging were not met in childhood.
2
Mistrust/Abuse MA
The conviction that others will deceive, lie, manipulate, or abuse. The person systematically anticipates being hurt or humiliated in relationships.
3
Emotional Deprivation CA
The feeling that one's core emotional needs — for attention, affection, empathy, or protection — will never be met by others.
4
Defectiveness/Shame IH
The conviction of being fundamentally flawed, bad, or inferior. Exposing one's weaknesses would inevitably bring rejection from others.
5
Social Isolation/Alienation IS
The feeling of being different from others, of not belonging to a group or community. A deep sense of being out of place.
Domain 2 of 5
Impaired Autonomy & Performance
This domain affects individuals whose capacity to function autonomously and to perceive themselves as competent has been compromised.
6
Dependence/Incompetence DI
The belief of being unable to manage daily responsibilities without substantial help from others. A sense of helplessness in the face of life's demands.
7
Vulnerability to Harm or Illness VD
An exaggerated fear that imminent catastrophe will strike — illness, accident, financial ruin — and that one will not be able to cope with it.
8
Enmeshment/Undeveloped Self FU
Excessive emotional investment in one or more significant others, at the expense of one's own development. A feeling of having no separate identity.
9
Failure EC
The conviction of having failed, of being bound to fail, or of being fundamentally inadequate compared to others in domains of achievement (academics, career, sports).
Domain 3 of 5
Impaired Limits
This domain concerns individuals who have not developed sufficient internal limits around reciprocity and self-discipline.
10
Entitlement/Grandiosity DP
The conviction of being superior to others and entitled to special rights or privileges. Difficulty respecting the rules of reciprocity that guide social interaction.
11
Insufficient Self-Control/Self-Discipline CS
A persistent difficulty exerting control over emotions and impulses. Low frustration tolerance and an inability to delay gratification.
Domain 4 of 5
Other-Directedness
This domain groups schemas of individuals who consistently prioritize others' needs over their own.
12
Subjugation AS
Excessive submission to others' control, out of fear of anger or abandonment. The person represses their own needs and emotions to maintain the relationship.
13
Self-Sacrifice SS
An excessive focus on meeting others' needs at the expense of one's own satisfaction. Driven by guilt or the need to maintain the bond.
14
Approval-Seeking/Recognition-Seeking RA
An excessive need to obtain others' attention, esteem, or approval. Self-esteem depends primarily on others' reactions rather than on one's own values.
Domain 5 of 5
Overvigilance and Inhibition
This domain concerns individuals who repress emotions and spontaneous impulses to comply with rigid internal rules.
15
Negativity/Pessimism NP
A pervasive focus on the negative aspects of life — pain, loss, conflict, failure — while minimizing the positive. Constant expectation that things will go wrong.
16
Emotional Inhibition IE
Excessive restriction of spontaneous actions, feelings, or communications, out of fear of losing control, disapproval, or shame.
17
Unrelenting Standards/Hypercriticalness EE
The belief that one must meet very high standards of performance to avoid criticism. Results in perfectionism, rigid rules, and constant preoccupation with time and efficiency.
18
Punitiveness PU
The belief that people — including oneself — deserve to be harshly punished for their mistakes. Difficulty forgiving, tendency toward anger and intolerance.
Free sample
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See exactly what the practitioner receives after every YSQ administration.
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YSQ Report — Schema Profile
Scores by schema and by domain · 8 pages
Simplified preview — the full report covers all 18 schemas over 8 pages
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about the YSQ online and YoungScoring.
No. Each test starts at €7 per unit (less with packs). However, 2 tests are free upon sign-up — you can try the tool with your patients, no commitment and no credit card. Credits never expire.
This is the Long Form of the YSQ (232 items). Allow 30 to 45 minutes depending on the patient. The questionnaire is paginated (10 questions per screen) and progress is saved automatically. Your patient can stop and resume later without losing any answers.
The YSQ is a scientifically validated instrument, translated and used in many languages. Online administration does not change the psychometric properties of the questionnaire. Results are equivalent to those of a paper-and-pencil administration, with the added benefit of error-free automatic scoring.
For adults (16–18 years and older), in the context of Schema Therapy or psychological assessment. It is especially useful for patients presenting with personality disorders, chronic relational difficulties, or recurrent emotional reactions. It must be administered by a licensed mental health professional.
YoungScoring complies with the GDPR. Data is hosted in Europe, encrypted, and accessible only to the referring professional. No data is shared with third parties. Each patient accesses the questionnaire through a unique, anonymized link.
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Ready to bring the YSQ into your clinical practice?
Create your first questionnaire — 2 free testsNo commitment · Credits never expire · Secure Stripe payment
How YoungScoring works
Four simple steps, less than a minute to set up. Then everything happens automatically.
Send the questionnaire
Generate a unique link and share it with your patient by email or in session. No installation required.
Your patient responds online
Your patient completes the YSQ at their own pace, on desktop or mobile. The questionnaire takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
Receive the results
Scores are computed automatically for each schema and each domain. You access a clear visual profile directly from your therapist dashboard.
Use them in session
Use the results to guide therapeutic discussion, identify dominant schemas, and tailor your treatment plan.