| The present study explored the latent structure of specific proposed early maladaptive schemas (EMS's) via the coherent-cut kinetic taxometric procedures MAXEIG and MAMBAC, as well as the LMode factor analytic taxometric procedure. In addition, combinations of schemas were analyzed via the aforementioned procedures in order to explore the latent structure of the higher-order variables of Overconnection, Disconnection, and Exaggerated Standards proposed to underlie the specific schemas. In contrast with some theoretically-based predictions, results supported a model in which all of the EMS's, as measured by the Young Schema Questionnaire, and the higher-order variables they represent, are dimensional. The taxometric analysis programs employed in the study routinely created dimensional and taxonic graphs, based on simulated taxonic and dimensional data with the distributional and validity characteristics of the study data. These simulated graphs allowed for direct comparison of study results to simulated taxonic and dimensional output. These comparisons suggested that the LMode procedure does not reliably distinguish between data from low base rate taxonic structures and data from skewed dimensional distributions. Overall, MAXEIG and MAMBAC performed well at distinguishing between low base rate taxons and skewed dimensions. |
