Early Maladaptive Schemas in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Abstract

The frustration of basic emotional needs during childhood leads to the development of early maladaptive schemas. Early maladaptive schemas make individuals more vulnerable to psychological disorders, specifically obsessive-compulsive disorder in adulthood. The aim of this review is to summarize the related literature regarding the role of early maladaptive schemas in obsessive-compulsive disorder. According to the findings of the literature research, in obsessive-compulsive disorder the most common early maladaptive schemas are vulnerability to harm/illness, failure to achieve, social isolation, unrelenting standards, defectiveness/shame, emotional deprivation and negativity/pessimism; the most frequently activated schema domains are impaired autonomy, disconnection and overvigilance/inhibition; and the most common schema modes are demanding parent, detached protector, vulnerable child and punitive parent modes. It is indicated that these schemas have paved the way for development of obsessive-compulsive disorder since individuals’ early childhood. Further studies investigating early maladaptive schemas in obsessive-compulsive disorder are needed in literature. It is believed that undercovering the relationship between obsessive-compulsive disorder and early maladaptive schemas will contribute determining the formation mechanism of the disorder, and will shed light on the development of effective prevention and intervention studies in future.