The relationship between early maladaptive schemas and attachment

Abstract

The conceptual model of schema therapy proposes that the unfulfilled need for secure attachments in childhood might lead to the development of Early Maladaptive Schemas. Yet to this day, there have been very few studies examining the relationships between Early Maladaprive Schemas, schema domains and different dimensions of attachment, as well as attachment styles. The objective of the present study was to review the findings from published studies regarding the relationship between Early Maladaptive Schemas and attachment. Thierteen studies met the inclusion criteria. The findings point to the significant role of the Abandonment schema and the Disconnection/rejection schema domain when it comes to attachment.

The mediating role of early maladaptive schemas in the relationship between attachment styles and loneliness

“…In other words, just people with ambivalent attachment experience an active other-directedness schema, which leads to a decrease in their loneliness. Although so far no study has investigated this path independently, this study, in terms of the relationship of ambivalent attachment with the other-directedness schema [ 56 – 58 ], the relationship of avoidance attachment with other-directedness schema [ 32 , 49 , 59 , 60 ] and the relationship of the other-directedness schema with the loneliness [ 33 , 34 , 61 ] is consistent with previous studies. In explaining these results, it can be stated that according to attachment theory, relationship satisfaction during childhood affects later relationships.…”

“…In other words, people with ambivalent and avoidant attachment style have a more intense disconnection-rejection schema, which in turn is related to feeling more alone. Although no study has investigated this path independently, this study, in terms of the relationships that form the above path, that is, the relationship between ambivalent attachment and disconnection-rejection schema [ 36 , 48 , 49 ], the relationship between avoidant attachment and disconnection-rejection schema [ 18 , 50 , 51 ] and the relationship between disconnection-rejection schema and loneliness [ 31 , 32 , 52 – 54 ] is in line with previous studies. In explaining this finding, Bowlby’s attachment theory can be considered in which Bowlby [ 14 , 26 ] emphasized that early childhood communication shapes people’s attachment style and affects their view of themself, others, and the way interpersonal communication is organized.…”

The Relationship Between Attachment Styles and Loneliness: The Mediating Role of Early Maladaptive Schemas

“…In other words, just people with ambivalent attachment experience an active other-directedness schema, which leads to a decrease in their loneliness. Although so far no study has investigated this path independently, this study, in terms of the relationship of ambivalent attachment with the otherdirectedness schema (56-58), the relationship of avoidance attachment with other-directedness schema (32,49,59,60) and the relationship of the other-directedness schema with the loneliness (33,34,61) is consistent with previous studies. In explaining these results, it can be stated that according to attachment theory, relationship satisfaction during childhood affects later relationships.…”

“…In other words, people with ambivalent and avoidant attachment style have a more intense disconnection-rejection schema, which in turn is related to feeling more alone. Although no study has investigated this path independently, this study, in terms of the relationships that form the above path, that is, the relationship between ambivalent attachment and disconnection-rejection schema (36,48,49), the relationship between avoidant attachment and disconnection-rejection schema (18, 50, 51) and the relationship between disconnection-rejection schema and loneliness (31,32,(52)(53)(54) is in line with previous studies. In explaining this nding, we will review Bowlby's attachment theory.…”

“…Therefore, ambivalent people who have a stronger other-directedness schema, emphasize the answers of others more than their own needs in social relationships, they leave their control in the hands of others and submit to them. They obey others to avoid anger, revenge, or abandonment, and they are always sacri cing to reduce the suffering and distress of others, avoid guilt, achieve a sense of worth, and continue the emotional relationship (49,56). This schema overlaps with the twelve-step concept of pathological dependence, and with the increase of the other-directedness schema, the experience of loneliness in people decreases (32)…”