The Role Of Early Maladaptive Schemas In The Change In General Mental Health And Well-being During The Covid-19 Coronavirus Pandemic

Abstract

This presented research aimed to determine the role of early maladaptive schemas in the change in general mental health and well-being during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. We focused on changes in mental health (anxiety and depressive symptoms, morbid thoughts, and suicidal ideation) and well-being. Our retrospective study included 499 adults (316 women and 173 men). We employed the following research tools: the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-30), the shortened version of the WHO Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF), the HASS-BREF Scale to assess the severity of suicidal ideations and behaviors, and Young Schema Questionnaire (YSQ-S3-PL). The questionnaires’ instructions for the subjects were modified to obtain information for three specific periods: before the pandemic, at the most difficult moment of the pandemic for individuals, and in the last two weeks (the time period preceding data collection; January/February 2021). Results of the research indicate that during the COVID-19 pandemic, many people declared a significant increase in the number of depressive or anxiety symptoms. Early maladaptive schemas (Abandonment, Insufficient Self-Control) predict negative changes in mental health. In addition, other early maladaptive schemas (Self-Sacrifice, Unrelenting Standards) predict negative well-being changes. Interestingly, the Subjugation schema can temporarily play an adaptive role in exceptional situations, such as a pandemic.