Schema Therapy and Family Systems Theory: The Relationship Between Early Maladaptive Schemas and Differentiation of Self

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between aspects of differentiation of self in Murry Bowen's family systems theory and early maladaptive schemas in Young's schema therapy theory. For this aim, two hundred (100 male, 100 female, 28 missing) students from University of Tehran were participated in this study. All participants completed two questionnaires: the Young Schema Questionnaire-Short Form (YSQ-SF) and Differentiation of Self Inventory (DSI). Correlational analyses indicated that the aspects of differentiation of self (emotional reactivity, emotional cut-off and fusion with others) were negatively associated with early maladaptive schemas. But I-position was positively associated with early maladaptive schema. Regression analyses indicated that the mistruth/abuse schema, emotional deprivation and self-sacrifice can predict I-position. Unrelenting Standards/hypercriticalness, dependence/incompetence and abandonment/instability can predict fusion with others. Emotional cut-off can predict by enmeshment/undeveloped self, abandonment/instability, emotional inhibition and unrelenting standards/hypercriticalness schemas. Implications of these findings are discussed.