Arabic Version of the Leahy Emotional Schemas Scale-II

Magda Ghassan  Fathy; Khaled Jamal  Mandoob

doi:10.18502/ijps.v20i1.17403

Magda Ghassan Fathy Department of General Psychology, College of Arts, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq.
Khaled Jamal Mandoob Department of Psychological Counselling and Educational Guidance, College of Basic Education, Mustansiriya University, Baghdad, Iraq.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijps.v20i1.17403

Keywords: Emotions; Factor Analysis; Psychometrics; Questionnaire; Validity and Reliability

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to translate the Leahy Emotional Schemas Scale-II (LESS-II) into Arabic and validate its psychometric properties among Iraqi university students. The hypothesis was that the Arabic version would retain the original factor structure and demonstrate robustness and validity.

Method: The process involved translation, cultural adaptation, backward translation, and the bilingual method to ensure linguistic and cultural relevance. The sample consisted of 280 Iraqi university students (64% female, 36% male). Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were conducted to assess the factor structure. Reliability was tested using Cronbach’s alpha and test-retest methods.

Results: EFA identified a 14-factor structure aligned with Leahy’s model, accounting for 91.83% of the total variance. CFA confirmed a good model fit (RMSEA = 0.08, CFI = 0.93, TLI = 0.90). The total scale’s reliability (Cronbach’s alpha) was 0.82, with test-retest reliability at 0.87. Pearson correlations indicated significant relationships between LESS-II factors, anxiety, and depression, supporting construct validity.

Conclusion: The Arabic LESS-II was established as a valid and reliable tool for assessing emotional schemas. However, the study's reliance on a nonclinical sample limits generalizability. Future research should validate the scale in diverse and clinical populations, highlighting its potential utility in Arabic-speaking contexts for both research and clinical practice.