The relationship between early maladaptive schemas and interpersonal problems - Dataset
This dataset is based on series of three studies conducted as part of a PhD thesis for the award of Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology). The thesis investigated the relationship between early maladaptive schemas (EMS) from the schema therapy model and their relationship with interpersonal problems. The dataset for study one is based on a metaanalysis investigating the correlations between early maladaptive schemas and measures of interpersonal relationship problems from the available research as systematically reviewed in 2019. The remaining two datasets were sampled from a first-year psychology student participant pool at the University of New England. The dataset from study two is based on a repeated measures experiment which assessed participant responses and EMS scores following a series of interpersonal vignettes depicting acceptance, ambiguous rejection and rejection. The responses from study two included measures of perceived emotional distress and negative cognitions measured quantitatively and a series of written actions coded qualitatively using inductive content analysis. The dataset from study three consists of crosssectional survey data including measures for EMSs, cognitive emotion regulation strategies, trait-mindfulness and trait-tendencies for problematic interpersonal behaviour patterns. Together these datasets found support for a link between EMSs and low trait-mindfulness, increased emotional distress, negative cognitions and trait-tendencies for problematic interpersonal behaviour patterns.
Trait mindfulness mediates the relationship between early maladaptive schema and interpersonal problems
Objective:This study investigated whether early maladaptive schemas (EMSs) are associated with interpersonal problems and whether this relationship is mediated by trait mindfulness.
Method:One hundred and seventeen participants (M = 34.66, SD = 17.14) were recruited and completed measures of EMSs (Young Schema Questionnaire, Short Form, Version 3; YSQ-SF-3), trait mindfulness (Kentucky Inventory of Mindfulness Skills; KIMS) and interpersonal problems (Inventory of Interpersonal Problems-32; IIP-32).
Results:The number of EMSs endorsed by an individual at a clinically significant level was negatively associated with trait mindfulness and positively associated with interpersonal problems. Trait mindfulness was negatively associated with interpersonal problems. Only the describing and accepting without judgement facets of trait mindfulness were found to mediate the relationship between EMS endorsement and interpersonal problems.
Conclusions:The relationship between EMSs and interpersonal problems may partially operate through some facets of trait mindfulness. Implications for future research and clinical practice are discussed.