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.