An Examination of the Relationship Between Early Maladaptive Schemas and Psychological Symptoms

Abstract

Early maladaptive schemas (EMSs), within the framework of the Schema Therapy Model, are considered key vulnerability factors associated with psychological symptoms and their impact on well-being. But, in the literature, the role of these factors in the development of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms is generally examined separately. This study aims to evaluate the predictive power of demographic variables and EMSs on these symptoms in an integrative manner in a non-clinical sample. A crosssectional descriptive study used convenience sampling to gather data from 366 participants. Measures included the Demographic Information Form, the Young Schema Questionnaire-Short Form 3, and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale. Pearson correlation and hierarchical regression analyses were conducted. The results showed that disconnection and rejection and other-directedness schema domains predicted depression symptoms; disconnection and rejection and impaired autonomy schema domains predicted anxiety symptoms; and disconnection and rejection schema domain predicted stress symptoms. These results suggest that specific EMSs and demographic factors differentially contribute to psychological symptoms, underscoring the relevance of schema domains assessment in mental health interventions. Clinical implications and suggestions for future research are also discussed in the study.