The relation of early maladaptive schemas and behavioral inhibition/approach systems to defense styles in abusers of synthetic drug: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

The aim of the study was to examine the relationship of early maladaptive schemas (EMSs) and behavioral inhibition/approach systems (BIS/BAS) with defense styles in the abusers of synthetic drug admitted at Niyayesh addiction treatment clinic in the city of Shiraz, Iran. In a cross-sectional design, we examined the relationship between EMSs (via Young Maladaptive Schemas Questionnaire —Short Form “YSQ-SF”) and BIS/BAS (via Carver & White BIS/BAS Scale) to defense styles (via Defense Style Questionnaire “DSQ-40”) for 340 abusers of synthetic drug (male = 53.5%, female = 46.5%). To analyze the relationship between the studied variables, zero-order correlation and multivariate regression were used. Also, sex differences in the means of the responses for each of EMSs, BIS/BAS, and defense styles were analyzed using the independent samples t test.Correlational analyses revealed that all five EMSs were correlated with both neurotic and immature defense styles, and negatively with mature defense style. Also, BIS and all BAS subscales were related to both neurotic and immature and negatively to mature defense style. Finally, there were significant sex differences in BIS, BAS subscales, EMSs, and defense styles. We concluded that EMSs, excessive BIS and BAS subscales, and maladaptive defense styles (e.g., neurotic and immature styles) are important factors in understanding the causes of drug abuse in the abusers of synthetic drug.