Background: Schema Therapy is based on the theory that trauma and neglect in childhood lead to early maladaptive schemas and psychopathology in adulthood. The aim of this review was to evaluate support for this theory by synthesizing the literature on childhood adversity and schemas.Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were completed in compliance with PRISMA. PsycInfo, CINAHL and PubMed were searched to identify eligible studies that reported unadjusted association(s) between adverse childhood events and schema scores when participants were 18 years or older. Meta-analyses were conducted to estimate the pooled effect size of associations between schemas and experiences of childhood adversity.Results: A total of 33 studies met inclusion criteria and provided sufficient data for meta-analyses on childhood experiences relating to toxic frustration of needs (emotional neglect and physical neglect) and trauma and victimization (emotional abuse, physical abuse and sexual abuse). Of the 124 meta-analyses, 65 indicated that schemas show small to large correlations with emotional neglect (range: r = .16

Background Improved understanding of the specific cognitive risk factors associated with depression is needed to inform prevention and treatment approaches. Recent research has examined the relationship between early maladaptive schemas (EMSs) and depression, but the findings were yet to be integrated using meta‐analytic methods. The aim of this review was to synthesize the evidence on the relationship between depression and EMS. Method A systematic review and meta‐analysis was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) statement, by searching the PsycINFO, PubMed and CINAHL databases. Included studies were peer‐reviewed journal articles that examined the relationship between one or more EMS and depression in adulthood in participants aged 18 years or older. Results A total of 51 studies were included (k = 743; pooled N = 17,830). All 18 EMSs were positively correlated with depression, with effect sizes ranging from small (r = .23 [.17, .29]; Entitlement) to large (r = .53 [.46, .60]; Social Isolation; r = .50, 95% CI [.45, .54]; Defectiveness/Shame). Conclusion The evidence suggests that individuals who feel like they do not belong, or that they are flawed, bad or unlovable, report higher levels of depression. However, most studies used cross‐sectional designs, and further longitudinal research is needed to establish the direction of the relationship between EMS and depression. These findings can guide preventative and treatment approaches. Focusing treatment on the Social Isolation and Defectiveness/Shame EMS may aid in relieving depressive symptoms.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and borderline personality Disorder (BPD) share features, including social and emotion regulation difficulties. The evidence for the overlap in prevalence and clinical characteristics was systematically reviewed. Ovid Medline, PsycInfo, and PubMed were searched until November 30, 2020 using keywords relating to BPD and ASD. Studies that reported on the overlap of ASD and BPD diagnoses or traits and used a case, cohort, or casecontrolled design were included. Of 1633 screened studies, 19 were included, of which 12 reported data suitable for meta-analysis. Most samples were of small, clinically ascertained groups, with 11 having high risk of bias. The pooled prevalence of BPD in ASD was 4% [95% CI 0%-9%] and of ASD in BPD, 3% [95% CI 1%-8%]. There were inconsistent findings across clinical areas. The prevalence of a dual diagnosis of BPD in ASD cohorts and of ASD in BPD cohorts was within population prevalence estimates of each disorder. Based on this data we were not able to assess whether there is misdiagnosis of one in favor of the other. Neurocognitive differences may underlie similar behavioral symptoms, but further research using larger, well-validated samples is needed. Lay SummaryAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD) have overlaps in their symptoms. The overlap in how frequently they co-occur and their presentation was systematically reviewed. We searched the key databases and including all studies that reported on the overlap of ASD and BPD diagnoses or traits and used a case, cohort or case-controlled design. Of 1633 studies, 19 were included, of which 12 reported data suitable for pooling. Most samples were of small, clinical groups, with 11 having high risk of bias. The pooled prevalence of BPD in ASD was 4% [95% CI 0%-9%] and of ASD in BPD, 3% [95% CI 1%-8%]. There were inconsistent findings across studies comparing ASD and BPD related symptoms and problems. The prevalence of a dual diagnosis of BPD in ASD cohorts and of ASD in BPD cohorts was similar to the population prevalence of each disorder. Further research using larger, well-validated samples is needed.

Young's early maladaptive schemas represent a possible pathway between childhood adversity and Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). The aim of this review was to synthesize the evidence on early maladaptive schemas and IPV. PubMed, PsycInfo, and CINAHL databases were searched, in compliance with PRISMA, to identify peer reviewed studies that reported on the relationship between schema or schema domain scores and IPV victimization or perpetration. Based on nine included studies, meta‐analyses indicated that IPV victimization showed a moderate association with the Disconnection and Rejection and Impaired Autonomy domains, and a small association with Other‐Directedness. The Mistrust Abuse and Vulnerability to Harm schemas were moderately correlated with victimization. Mistrust Abuse was also implicated in perpetration but insufficient data were available for meta‐analysis. The evidence suggests that being a victim of IPV is associated with an expectation that one's needs for love and safety will not be met and doubt regarding one's capacity to handle responsibilities or succeed in life.

This article reports on the first meta-analysis into the relationships between attachment styles and early maladaptive schemas (EMS). Fifteen studies were included. All associations were estimated using a random-effects model. Overall, insecure attachment styles were significantly positively associated with EMS (anxious attachment r = .36, avoidant attachment r = .22, fearful attachment r = .28) and significantly negatively associated with secure attachment (r = −.13). Subgroup analyses revealed differences in the magnitude of the associations between attachment styles and specific EMS. Anxious attachment demonstrated larger associations with EMS (compared to avoidant attachment) within the schema domains of disconnection/rejection (r = .49 vs. r = .31) and other-directedness (r = .32 vs. r = .12). The findings have important implications for the advancement of theory, research, and clinical practice in the fields of adult attachment and schema therapy.