Young Parenting Inventory (YPI) — Schema Therapy

A self-report inventory in which the client rates the behavior of mother and father separately on items describing parenting styles linked to the development of each schema. It measures parameters such as coldness, control, criticism, unpredictability, overindulgence. Helps build the narrative of the origin of the schemas and justify the need for limited reparenting.

Step-by-step guide

Give the client the inventory after the initial schema assessment (YSQ)
Explain: we rate mother and father separately (or other primary caregivers)
The client fills it in at home
In session discuss the results: which parent was the most influential, and in what way
Link parenting patterns with the active schemas: "That's where this came from"
Use it to explain the schemas to the client and to plan imagery work

When to use

Early phase — understanding the origin of the schemas
We need to build the narrative of "where this came from"
Preparation for imagery rescripting of childhood scenes
The client does not understand why they have these patterns

Key phrases

This inventory will help us understand how you were raised. Rate the mother and the father separately — how often did they behave this way when you were a child.

Follow-up questions

Look: the high score on criticism from the father matches your Defectiveness schema — these are linked.

What do you feel when you see these results?

Is there anything here that surprises you?

Alternative phrasings

If one of the parents was not there — fill it in for the one who was the primary caregiver.

Warnings

⚠️ If the client is in denial about their childhood — strengthen the alliance first
⚠️ Traumatic memories may activate — have a support plan ready
⚠️ Do not use it as a reason to condemn the parents, but as a way to understand the origin

Source: Young et al. (2003); Welburn et al. (2002)