The purpose of this study was to explore the psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the Young Compensation Inventory (YCI). Seven hundred and forty‐three patients participated in the study. Principal components analysis with equamax rotation was carried out, and seven definable factor structures emerged. Internal consistency analysis revealed statistically significant correlation coefficients. As to convergent validity, correlational analysis of theoretically related variables showed statistically significant coefficients. Furthermore, the discriminant validity assessed through t‐test analysis comparing clinical and non‐clinical samples (n = 516) yielded statistically significant differences. In overall evaluation, the Turkish YCI was found to have acceptable levels of reliability and validity. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.Key Practitioner Message The YCI is a self‐report questionnaire consisting of 48 items that assess the schema compensation strategies. The Turkish YCI has acceptable levels of reliability and validity. The Turkish YCI is ready to be used in both schema therapy practice and research settings in Turkey.