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.