Differential roles of early maladaptive schema domains on the link between perceived parenting behaviors and depression, anxiety, and anger

Abstract

Research that focuses on the association between parenting and psychological problems provide consistent results indicating more severe levels of maladjustment being associated with high levels of parental rejection and control. Nevertheless, it is equally important to understand the mechanisms that explain the relationship among these concepts. The present study explored the role of Early Maladaptive Schema (EMS) domains in the relationship between parenting dimensions (rejection and control) and measures of anxiety, depression, and maladaptive anger expression in a sample of Turkish undergraduate students (N = 266, 188 female). Participants were administered scales that assess maternal rejection and control, EMS, anxiety, depression, and anger. Results revealed that perceived maternal rejection and control in childhood might have substantial influence in adult functioning. More specifically, the association between maternal rejection and psychological symptoms was mediated by disconnection schema domain. On the other hand, maternal control was linked to anxiety and depression through impaired autonomy schema domain, but its association with anger was through impaired limits schema domain. Findings indicate differential roles of schema domains on the relation between parenting behaviors and psychological distress measures.