A Comparison of Early Maladaptive Schemata Among Homosexual, Bisexual and Heterosexual People in Iran

Abstract

The current study was conducted in order to compare the Early Maladaptive Schemata (EMS) in homosexual and bisexual people and compare them with the heterosexual group. The 150 study participants consisting of 62 homosexual and 13 bisexual people (mean age = 25.50, SD = 5.09), were selected from several cities in Iran. The 75 heterosexuals were selected from the general population and matched with the study group based on age, sex, and educational level. Each person completed a Young Schema Questionnaire (short form) and a demographic data sheet. In addition, the groups of sexual minorities also completed the researcher constructed Questionnaire. The results show that homosexual group scores in some schemata such as mistrust/abuse, defectiveness/shame, social isolation, emotional inhibition and sacrifice, were significantly higher than the heterosexual group. The results also show that the entitlement schema score was significantly higher in both the homosexuals and bisexuals. Different developmental procedures and negative social attitudes toward sexual minorities could explain the higher scores of some schemata in this group. This study may have also useful clinical implications for mental health professionals working with sexual minorities.