Predicting the Tendency to Re-Experience Abusive Relationships Based on Schema Modes and Self-Compassion: A Web-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Finding an intimate partner is an important step in adulthood that has a special effect on self-concept and mental health. The tendency to re-experience abusive relationships (TREAR) refers to a person’s inclination to repeatedly find themselves in abusive or unhealthy relationships. There are many factors for the TREAR. This study aimed to predict TREAR based on schema modes and self-compassion. The present study design was predictive correlational, with the statistical population consisting of adults over 18 who have experienced emotional relationships in Rasht, Iran. Finally, 190 participants entered the study. Due to COVID-19 quarantine circumstances, we used an internet-based convenience sampling method through the social media groups of students at Rasht’s universities. Participants completed the tendency to re-experience abusive relationships scale, schema modes, and self-compassion. Most of the participants were between age 23 and 32 years (44.2%) and female (81.6%). According to the findings, self-compassion was greatly associated with a lower TREAR. In contrast, the schema modes were significantly associated with a higher score of the TREAR (p< .05). The coefficient of determination (R2) was equal to 0.506, indicating that 50.6% of the change in re-experiencing abusive relationships was explained by demographic characteristics, schema modes, and self-compassion. The results showed that both schema modes and self-compassion were predictors of continuing the abusive relationship cycle. These findings could have important implications for future research, especially on the prevention and treatment of individuals involved in abusive relationships.