The association between early maladaptive schemas and romantic relationship satisfaction
2024

How Early Maladaptive Schemas Affect Relationship Satisfaction

Sample size: 94 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Kover Lili, Szollosi Gergo Jozsef, Frecska Ede, Bugan Antal, Berecz Roland, Egerhazi Aniko

Primary Institution: University of Debrecen Medical Center

Hypothesis

Early maladaptive schemas might impact relationship satisfaction among romantic partners, with distinct patterns and interactions between male and female partners.

Conclusion

The study found that emotional deprivation negatively affects relationship satisfaction for both partners, while other schemas have varying impacts based on gender.

Supporting Evidence

  • Emotional deprivation is linked to lower satisfaction for both partners.
  • The abandonment schema reduces satisfaction for females and their partners.
  • Mistrust/abuse schema affects male partners' satisfaction.
  • Social isolation and defectiveness/shame schemas lower female satisfaction.
  • Vulnerability to harm reduces male satisfaction.

Takeaway

This study shows that how we think about ourselves and our partners can change how happy we are in our relationships.

Methodology

The study involved 47 different-gender couples who completed questionnaires assessing their early maladaptive schemas and relationship satisfaction.

Potential Biases

The sample may not represent all socio-economic or cultural groups, limiting the applicability of the results.

Limitations

The study only included mixed-sex couples, which limits the generalizability of the findings to other types of relationships.

Participant Demographics

The final sample consisted of 94 individuals (47 couples) with a mean age of 50.94 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1460723

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