Early Maladaptive Schemas Research Articles

The prevalence of early maladaptive schemas, anxiety, and coping strategies in adolescent girls who are survivors of sexual abuse: a case report

ABSTRACT Sexual abuse of adolescent girls often leads to maladaptive behavioural patterns, variable anxiety responses, and dysfunctional coping mechanisms. This case report aims to investigate the prevalence of early maladaptive schemas (EMSs), anxiety, and coping strategies among five adolescent girls who are survivors of sexual abuse. The participants had a mean age of 16.6 years (±1.14 years) and were residing at the Ibtissama Social Complex Support Association (ISCSA) in Meknes, Morocco. Data were collected using a suite of standardised Likert-scale instruments. The State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Young Schema Questionnaire-Short Form (YSQ-SF), and Ways of Coping Checklist (WCC) were used. Findings reveal pervasive EMS activation and high anxiety levels among all participants, with emotion-focused coping as the predominant mechanism. These results emphasise the critical roles of EMS, anxiety, and coping strategies following sexual abuse, highlighting the need for effective, scalable therapeutic interventions for this vulnerable demographic.

Exploring the interplay between dreams, Early Maladaptive Schemas and demanding parenting style in Malaysia: A qualitative study

The demanding parenting style is a dysfunctional parenting behaviour which involves strict rules, overprotectiveness, high standards, and little affection or emotional support. It is commonly found in the Asian community. Extensive studies have suggested that this parenting style would contribute to various severe impacts, which include the development of early maladaptive schemas (EMS). Interestingly, EMS has been found to represent itself in dreams through themes and symbols. With this, the current study employed qualitative interviews to analyse the relationship between EMS and dreams in eight Malaysian young adults who experienced demanding parenting styles. The current study found that a demanding parenting style is associated with six EMS, which are (1) abuse/mistrust, (2) failure, (3) pessimism/negativity, (4) unrelenting standard/hypercriticalness, (5) approval seeking/recognition seeking, and (6) social isolation/alienation. These EMS manifested themselves in dreams. Based on these findings, the use of EMS in dream analysis has the potential to be an effective mediator to understand and explore the individuals’ past history.

Late Adolescents' Early Maladaptive Schemas: Are They Longitudinally Linked with Middle Childhood Temperament Over and Above Attachment?

Temperament is thought to influence the development of early maladaptive schemas (EMSs). However, whether temperament is longitudinally related to EMSs beyond attachment, the best known predictor of EMSs, hasbeen underexplored. Hence, this study investigated (1) Whether middle childhood temperament is longitudinally related to late adolescent EMSs, (2) To what extent temperament explains EMSs beyond middle childhood attachment, and (3) Whether attachment moderates this temperament-EMSs link. In total, 157 children (Mage = 10.91 in middle childhood,Mage = 16.71 in late adolescence) participated in this study. Adolescent EMSs were assessed along with middle childhood temperamental negative affect, affiliation, surgency, and effortful control, and attachment at both explicit and implicit levels. Results indicated that all temperamental features were longitudinally related to later EMSs; themajority of the temperament-EMSs links did not survive after controlling for attachment, except for some limited correlations between EMSs and negative affect and effortful control; and an inconsistent moderating effect for attachment on the temperament-EMSs link. This study provides further insight into the role of child factors (middle childhood temperament and late adolescent attachment) in understanding EMSs variability in late adolescence. It suggests that EMSs are informed more by past relational experiences (attachment) thanchildren'sinborn tendencies (temperament).

Childhood emotional maltreatment and romantic relationship satisfaction: the mediating role of early maladaptive schemas

ABSTRACT Objective Survivors of childhood emotional maltreatment (CEM) often report lower levels of romantic relationship satisfaction in later life, yet the mechanisms through which this occurs are unclear. Theoretical and empirical evidence suggests a potential pathway underlying this association is early maladaptive schemas (EMS), however, research is limited. The present study sought out to clarify the association between CEM and current romantic relationship satisfaction, and whether EMS mediate this relationship. Method The final sample consisted of 230 undergraduate psychology students. An anonymous online survey was administered assessing childhood maltreatment, EMS and current romantic relationship satisfaction. Data pertaining to possible covariates were also collected. Results CEM was found to be negatively correlated with relationship satisfaction. The results of path analysis additionally revealed emotional deprivation as the only early maladaptive schema to mediate this relationship. Conclusions These findings contribute to the understanding of how CEM may be related to relationship satisfaction, via EMS. In particular, they suggest experiences of CEM may strengthen the belief that others will not meet one’s emotional needs, which in turn, may be associated with reduced levels of romantic relationship satisfaction. Implications for clinical interventions to support adult survivors of CEM are discussed.

The relationship between emotional inhibition, emotional deprivation, failure, vulnerability to harm schema, and severity of symptoms among patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder

ObjectiveAssess the relationship between emotional inhibition, emotional deprivation, failure, vulnerability to harm schema, and severity of symptoms among obsessive-compulsive disorder.MethodsA descriptive correlational study was conducted on 30 patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder who were recruited to complete the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale, Young Schema Questionnaire-Long Form.ResultsThe results of the study indicate that 66.6% of the 30 subjects exhibited high levels of OCD symptom severity, with a mean score of 33.20 ± 4.67. In terms of early maladaptive schemas, 60% of subjects displayed severe emotional deprivation, 66.7% showed severe emotional inhibition, and 83.3% had severe failure schemas. A strong positive correlation was found between failure schemas and OCD symptoms (r = 0.697, p < 0.001). However, what truly impressed the researchers was the predictive power of the failure schema. It was the only significant predictor of OCD symptoms (Beta = 0.992, p < 0.001), explaining 55.2% of the variance.ConclusionThe study underscores the crucial influence of early maladaptive schemas on the severity of obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms in individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder. It proposes that considering early maladaptive schemas, such as emotional self-awareness, failure, and vulnerability to harm, can aid in gauging the severity of obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms. Moreover, the study’s findings are of significant importance to mental health professionals, researchers, and individuals involved in the treatment and management of obsessive-compulsive disorder, as they provide a deeper understanding of the condition and suggest practical approaches for its management.

Prediction of Illness Attitude Based on Early Maladaptive Schemas and Intolerance of Uncertainty in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Background: The present study was conducted to predict attitudes towards illness based on early maladaptive schemas and intolerance of uncertainty in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted on 62 patients with MS (72% of them were female). They were selected based on availability and voluntary participation. Data were collected through three questionnaires: the Illness Attitudes Scale, the Intolerance of Uncertainty scale, and the Yang Schema Questionnaire. Results: The mean age (±SD) of the participants and duration of diagnosis was 36.10±7.05 yr, and 4.21±3.78 yr, respectively. The results showed that 18 early maladaptive schemas, together with intolerance of uncertainty, can predict up to 8.9% of illness attitude in patients with MS. Among the early maladaptive schemas, schemas of emotional deprivation, social isolation-alienation, abandonment-instability, failure, dependence-underdeveloped self, vulnerability, trapped-victim, emotional inhibition, stubborn/fault-finding standards, self-control disciplinary, seeking attention-seeking approval, and negativity/pessimism had a significant relationship with attitudes towards illness (p&lt;0.05). Additionally, there was a significant relationship between intolerance of uncertainty and all its dimensions with attitudes towards illness (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Early maladaptive schemas and intolerance of uncertainty can predict illness attitudes in patients with MS. Patients with MS who have high intolerance of uncertainty are more likely to interpret ambiguous information as threatening. Therefore, effective interventions in the field of uncertainty intolerance for these patients can likely be effective in improving their attitudes towards illness and preventing the exacerbation of their symptoms.

How Does Parental Early Maladaptive Schema Affect Adolescents' Social Adaptation? Based on the Perspective of Intergenerational Transmission.

An individual's social adaptation is affected by their early maladaptive schemas. Previous studies have shown that early maladaptive schemas may be intergenerationally transmitted in families. It is important to explore the intergenerational effect of early maladaptive schemas on adolescents' social adaptation, as they are in a critical period of growth and development. In this study, a cross-sectional design and questionnaire survey were used to collect data to explore the intergenerational influence of early maladaptive schemas in families and their relationship with adolescents' social adaptation. The participants were 201 adolescents aged 12 to 16 years and their primary caregivers (father or mother), of whom 125 (62.2%) were boys and 76 (37.8%) were girls. There were 70 fathers (34.8%) and 131 mothers (65.2%). Chinese adolescents and their primary caregivers were surveyed using paired questionnaires, and the Young Schema Questionnaire (short form) and Adolescent Social Adaptation Scale were completed. The results show that adolescents' early maladaptive schema plays an intermediary role between parents' early maladaptive schema and adolescents' social adaptation. Parental mistrust/abuse and insufficient self-control schemas affected adolescents' social adaptation through the mediating effect of their corresponding schemas. Our results reveal the negative impact path of parents' early maladaptive schemas on adolescents' social adaptation and provide a new direction for the clinical practice of adolescent family therapy.

The mediating role of self-esteem and self-compassion in the relationship between early maladaptive schema and violence against women

The mediating role of self-esteem and self-compassion in the relationship between early maladaptive schema and violence against women

La thérapie des schémas est-elle pertinente pour une population adulte souffrant de TSPT et de TSPT-complexe ? Une revue de littérature systématique qualitative

ContextSchema therapy (ST) involves two core concepts: early maladaptive schemas and modes. Early maladaptive schemas play a key role in the development and maintenance of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), while observed modes reflect the internalized relationships of the traumatized individual. Given this context, how might ST be an interesting psychotherapeutic approach for a population suffering from PTSD or complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD)? ObjectivesConsidering the impact of trauma and/or adversity on the subject's psychological development, ST could be relevant for a population suffering from PTSD or CPTSD. This study aims to explore the effectiveness of ST in treating an adult population suffering from PTSD or CPTSD, through a review of qualitative literature. MethodsFollowing the PRISMA guidelines, articles were searched from December 2023 to May 2024 on PubMed, Google Scholar, PsycInfo, and the Cochrane Library, with specific eligibility criteria: studies on ST, adult population with PTSD or CPTSD, with no publication year limit. Data extraction considered the studied pathology (PTSD or CPTSD), research methodology, therapeutic setting (group/individual), measurement tools, and therapy effects. ResultsNumerous studies explore the early maladaptive schemas of traumatized individuals, while others observe the effectiveness of ST in various clinical populations. However, few studies focus specifically on PTSD or CPTSD. The research process, summarized in a flow diagram, identified 989 articles, of which twelve were selected and analyzed, involving for 302 participants. Given the predominantly qualitative nature of the studies, a qualitative synthesis was deemed appropriate. Researchers’ chosen diagnoses varied according to the nosographic reference (DSM-5 for PTSD, ICD-11 for CPTSD). ST was found to reduce post-traumatic symptoms but also impacts overall psychiatric symptoms, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, and the severity of substance and/or alcohol addiction. Improvements were observed in overall functioning, emotional regulation, interpersonal relationships, socio-professional life, quality of life, and self-esteem. ST is found to be relevant when exposure therapy was ineffective for trauma treatment. Research methodologies varyQuantitative studies demonstrated ST's effectiveness, while case studies explore the process of change at work in therapy and ST's efficacy. Some biases were noted, particularly in session transcription practices, the small number of comparison groups, and the absence of independent evaluations. Psychotherapeutic interventions included individual and/or group-based approaches, utilizing cognitive, behavioral, and experiential tools, including imagery rescripting or chair work. Only one study adapted its group therapy content to the three-phase approach recommended in psychotraumatology. As an integrative approach, some researchers innovatively combined ST with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to address traumatic and addiction memories or with psychoanalysis to work on dreams through imagery rescripting. DiscussionSeveral discussion points were explored. Contemporary psychotraumatology and its theoretical foundations, particularly the concepts of dissociation and integration, could enrich ST work for the studied population. Studying common factors, particularly the therapeutic alliance, would further illuminate the psychotherapeutic process, given ST's emphasis on the therapeutic relationship and attachment. Group therapy seems to reawaken previous family issues, with emotional regulation strategies implemented within the group. Examining group cohesion quality would clarify individual and group psychotherapeutic progress. Finally, contextual ST, integrating acceptance and commitment therapy principles, remains an unexplored avenue with this population. ConclusionTo bridge the gap between research and practice, action research in ST, combining individual and group therapy for CPTSD patients, would enhance understanding of the mechanisms of change within this therapeutic model.

Investigation of the effect of psychological birthorder on perceived parental attitudes and early maladaptive schemas in adults

Aims: The aim of this study is to examine the effect of psychological birth order on perceived parental attitudes and early maladaptive schemas. Methods: In this study, the Psychological Birth Order Inventory, Perceived Parental Attitudes Scale-Child Form, and Young’s Schema Scale were used. The sample consisted of 189 women and 102 men. Relational and predictive analyses were conducted regarding birth order, psychological birth order, perceived parental attitudes, and schema domains. Results: There was a moderate positive relationship between the sibling rank of the women who participated in the study and the emotional deprivation schema area. For female participants, being the middle child was found to have a moderately positive relationship with emotional deprivation, dependence, pessimism, and defectiveness schemas. A weak positive relationship was found between being the middle child and emotional warmth maternal attitude, overprotective mother/father attitude, and rejecting father attitude scores. Conclusion: The study concluded that there is a significant relationship between psychological birth.order and perceived parental attitudes as well as early maladaptive schemas.

Exploring the Associations Between Early Maladaptive Schemas and Interpersonal Attraction: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Lebanese Female University Students

Interpersonal functioning is impacted by various schemas; early maladaptive schemas (EMSs) can negatively impact interpersonal relationships in adults, yet no prior research has explored the link between EMSs and interpersonal attraction. To address this gap, we conducted a cross-sectional study among Lebanese female university students using an online questionnaire. We also controlled for common mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and stress. Our study, implemented across ten university campuses and with a sample of 662 cisgender and heterosexual female students, revealed significant associations between EMSs and different forms of interpersonal attraction. Specifically, punitiveness was found to increase the likelihood of high task attraction, while enmeshment was associated with higher social attraction. In contrast, none of the early maladaptive schemas were significantly associated with physical attraction. Our findings emphasize the critical role of EMSs in shaping women’s interpersonal attraction and highlight the potential utility of schema therapy in promoting healthy human interactions. This study fills an important gap in the literature and sheds light on a previously unexplored aspect of human behavior that has implications for promoting women’s well-being in diverse settings.

Personality metatraits and Young's early maladaptive schemas

Introduction: Early maladaptive schemas, as defined by Young, refer to dysfunctional patterns, consisting of memories, emotions, thoughts and bodily sensations, which are the results of the interaction of innate vulnerability and intense and permanent deprivation of basic psychological needs during childhood. The objective of the research presented here was an attempt to identify, represented in metatraits, personality-based determinants for early maladaptive schemas in Young's concept. The basic assumption was that metatraits understood as biologically conditioned, basic forces shaping a person's style of functioning in the sphere of thoughts, feelings and behaviour, explain to a significant extent the intensity of the maladaptive cognitive-emotional schemas. Method: A group of 404 subjects (221 women and 183 men) aged between 18 and 78 years (M = 37; SD = 10.78). Respondents completed the CPM-Q-SF Personality Questionnaire and the YSQ-S3 Young's Schema Questionnaire. Results: The results from the advanced statistical analyses confirmed the assumption that personality metatraits play a sigfnificant role in terms of predicting early maladaptive schemas. It turned out that the metatraits alpha-minus disinhibition and gamma-minus disharmony underlie all five schema areas in Young's approach. Conclusions: By verifying the relationships discussed, it is possible to conclude that metatraits denoting emotional instability, low frustration tolerance, aggressiveness as well as depressiveness, distrust and generally poor psycho-physical condition may represent a biologically determined personality basis for the organisation and development of dysfunctional mental codes that function as information processing mechanisms and motives for maladaptive behavioural reactions. In practical terms, the above-mentioned means that in case of certain personality disorders, working on schemas, referring to childhood experiences, may be the main approach due to the inability to change the biologically determined personality.

Early maladaptive schemas mediate the relationship between severe childhood trauma and eating disorder symptoms: evidence from an exploratory study

BackgroundChildhood trauma history has frequently been linked to eating disorders (EDs); nevertheless, the scientific literature calls for extending knowledge regarding mediators between EDs and childhood trauma. This study explored whether ED symptoms and early maladaptive schemas were more severe in ED patients with severe childhood trauma than in ED patients with no/mild childhood trauma and whether early maladaptive schemas mediated the relationship between childhood trauma and ED symptom severity.MethodsData were extracted from the Regional Centre for Eating Disorders registry at the University Hospital of Verona. The extracted data included self-reported data, including the Eating Disorder Inventory-3 score, Young Schema Questionnaire score, Childhood Experience and Experience of Care and Abuse Questionnaire score, and sociodemographic and clinical information on the ED outpatients seeking care. A mediation analysis using the structural equation modeling procedure was conducted.ResultsForty-two outpatients, 31% of whom exhibited severe childhood trauma, satisfied the criteria for registry data extraction. The severity of ED symptoms, as well as the early maladaptive schemas’ scores for emotional deprivation, defectiveness, failure, vulnerability, insufficient self-control, and negativity, were greater in ED outpatients with severe childhood trauma. Furthermore, early maladaptive schemas related to defectiveness, failure, and negativity had a mediating role in the relationship between severe childhood trauma and ED symptom severity.ConclusionsThis exploratory study provides preliminary evidence about the importance of early maladaptive schemas in the relationship between trauma history and ED psychopathology. In addition, ED symptoms may represent a dysfunctional attempt to avoid unpleasant emotions associated with schema activation. The results support the need to consider early maladaptive schemas in the treatment of traumatized patients with ED symptoms. Study limitations, research and clinical implications are discussed.

Evaluation of a Schema Therapy-Based Prevention Group Program for Children and Their Parents

Although Schema Therapy has emerged as an effective treatment for a large range of psychopathology, there is limited research on its effectiveness with children and adolescents, especially for preventive purposes, in individual or group settings and with the involvement of parents. Therefore, the aim of this study was to conduct a preliminary evaluation of a newly developed group prevention program based on Schema Therapy (rationale, principles, and techniques) for children and their parents. It is a psychoeducational, developmentally-appropriate program addressing core emotional needs, early maladaptive schemas, schema modes, coping styles, and parent-child relationship with the aim of preventing the emergence of psychopathology in children. Participants were 90 Greek children (aged 9-13) who attended 16 weekly meetings and their parents who attended 10 biweekly meetings. The effectiveness of the program was evaluated with pre-and-postintervention assessment (i.e., pre-experimental design). Children’s early maladaptive schemas (self-reports) and strengths and difficulties (self- and parent-reports), as well as parents’ early maladaptive schemas (self-reports) were assessed. Results showed a significant decrease in most early maladaptive schemas of children and in many early maladaptive schemas of parents. A significant decrease was found in children’s emotional symptoms, peer relationship problems and total difficulties score and a significant increase in prosocial behavior. The supporting evidence for the effectiveness of the program and the necessity of evidence-based prevention programs based on Schema Therapy for children and parents are discussed.

Early Maladaptive Schemas, Cognitive Fusion, and Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Use Attitudes: The Mediating Role of Muscle Dysmorphia in Iran

In recent decades, the interest in having an ideal body in men has caused a pathological tendency to be muscular, followed by a tendency to use anabolic-androgenic steroids (AASs). This study was designed to evaluate the mediating role of muscle dysmorphia in the relationship between early maladaptive schemas and body image-related cognitive fusion with the tendency to use AAS in male athletes. Out of the total number of men referring to fitness clubs in Isfahan, Iran, 474 men were evaluated using a multistage random cluster sampling method. The questionnaires used in this research included the Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory, Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire—Body Image, Young Schema Questionnaire—Short Form, and Prototype Willingness Model Questionnaire. The results demonstrated that the relationship of AAS use with body image-related cognitive fusion and the three maladaptive schemas with the mediation of muscle dysmorphia is significant. The present study provides significant implications in the discussion of prevention and treatment of AAS addiction.

Originalbeiträge (Originals). High Young schema levels predict manualized confrontation therapy outcome in patients with panic disorder / Der Einfluss von Schemata nach Young auf das Therapieergebnis von Patienten mit Panikstörung

The role of schemas is well established in personality disorders. Their influence on therapy outcome of patients with Axis I disorders remains unclear. Therefore, patients with a panic disorder (PD) with/without agoraphobia varying in their expression of early maladaptive schemas were examined regarding therapy outcomes after exposure therapy. In this study, a sample of 216 patients with panic disorder with/without agoraphobia were recruited in a day clinic. After the initial diagnosis with the Structured Clinical Interview, the patients filled out the Young Schema Questionnaire (YSQ-S2), Beck Depression Inventory and Revised Symptom Checklist. Afterwards, they participated in a five-week manualized exposure therapy by Lang et al. (2011). Subjects with high schema scores showed lower therapeutic success rates than subjects with a weaker pattern score. In addition, it was found that high schema levels, especially of schemas regarding impaired autonomy and achievement (YSQ-S2: domain 2), influenced therapy outcome by either predicting more/severe or less/milder anxiety-, phobicrelated and general symptoms after therapy. The results of this study emphasize the role of schemas not only for personality disorders but also for disorders on Axis I. For PD with/without agoraphobia, schemas regarding impaired autonomy and achievement seem to play the most important role regarding the influence on therapy outcome.

Mixed-method examination of early maladaptive schemas and coping among children at a child advocacy center.

The present study examined (a) the presence of early maladaptive schemas and coping responses in children who have experienced maltreatment, (b) the relationship between early maladaptive schemas and coping responses, and (c) how qualitative findings compare to previous theoretical structures in quantitative studies. There were 100 participants (Mage = 10.72 years, SD = 3.35; 64 girls, 30 boys, six transgender/nonbinary), with 70% identifying as White. Data were collected in collaboration with a community child advocacy center through forensic interviews in cases of reported child abuse. Early maladaptive schemas were assessed using an adapted version of the Dusseldorf Illustrated Schema Questionnaire for Children. Coping responses were assessed using the COPE Inventory. Information about individual and abuse factors was gathered from case reports. Child advocacy center staff completed the measures based on information obtained during forensic interviews. All assessed early maladaptive schemas were endorsed in this sample; children reported an ability to adapt through the use of socially supported and self-sufficient coping responses. Hierarchical cluster analysis examining word similarity within coded texts demonstrated that subjugation and self-sacrifice were most strongly related. This mixed-method study integrating children's voices contributes a new perspective on early maladaptive schemas and coping responses that can provide education to multidisciplinary teams involved in forensic interviews. However, limits to generalizability must be considered given that the sample was derived from one region in the U.S. Midwest. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Substance Use and Its Relationship With Attachment and Early Maladaptive Schemes in Adolescents in Ecuador.

Given the scarcity of studies addressing substance consumption and its relationship with attachment styles and early maladaptive schemas in adolescents, the present study is proposed. Aims of this study are to analyze the relationship among attachment styles, early maladaptive schemas, and substance use; test the predictive role of attachment styles on substance use; and observe the mediating role of early maladaptive schemas in the relationship between attachment and substance use. The sample consisted of 1533 adolescents from Ecuador (53.9% males) aged between 14 and 18 years (M=15.76; SD=1.25). The attachment styles of security, value to parental authority, parental permissiveness, parental interference, self-sufficiency and resentment against parents, childhood trauma, and family concern predict substance use (tobacco, alcohol, tranquilizers/sedatives or sleeping pills, hashish or marijuana, cocaine, GHB or liquid ecstasy, ecstasy, amphetamines/speed, hallucinogens, heroin, inhalants/volatiles), and the mediating role of early maladaptive schemas is confirmed (explained variance up to 33.33%). Identifying risk or vulnerability factors, such as attachment and early maladaptive schemas related to substance consumption, is especially relevant for designing and implementing preventive interventions in the adolescent population.

Sociocultural Implications in the Development of Early Maladaptive Schemas in Adolescents Belonging to Sexual and Gender Minorities.

Culture is a central theme across various theories and disciplines, influencing behavior and self-perception through interactions within social groups, families, and legal systems. This influence extends to the general population and particularly impacts sexual and gender minorities (SGMs), resulting in minority stress that contributes to mental health issues and the development of Early Maladaptive Schemas (EMSs). Adolescents within these groups face typical developmental stressors-such as hormonal changes and societal pressures-compounded by prejudice, increasing their vulnerability to depression, anxiety, stress, substance abuse, and eating disorders. Despite these challenges, Schema Therapy (ST) lacks comprehensive studies on the sociocultural aspects influencing EMS acquisition in SGM adolescents. This theoretical review aims to fill this gap by exploring the impact of society and culture on EMS development within SGM adolescents. We recognize the broad spectrum of cultural influences and emphasize the importance of cultural sensitivity and diversity. This review specifically addresses how societal and cultural dynamics impact SGM individuals, acknowledging that while ethnic or other cultural factors are not the focus of this paper, they merit future research. This manuscript will discuss central topics and their impact on LGBTQIA+ youth, including (1) the background (definition of culture, lack of studies on ST focusing on culture, and studies on adverse psychological outcomes), (2) minority stress theory and prejudice against sexual and gender diversity (distal and proximal stressors and sociocultural aspects), (3) EMSs and unmet emotional needs, (4) ST affirmative strategies (working with schema modes, imagery rescripting, chair work, and photo techniques), and (5) final considerations (limitations and research agenda).

HOW CAN SCHEMA THERAPY HELP US UNDERSTAND KIERKEGAARD'S BREAKING UP OF HIS ENGAGEMENT.

Søren Aabye Kierkegaard (1813-1855) is a great Danish philosopher and the father of existentialism. An essential part of his writings, often under pseudonyms, dealt with his broken engagement, reflecting his doubts and ambivalent feelings. The motives behind the breakup initiated by the philosopher are complex and hard to decipher. This article is an attempt to better understand Kierkegaard´s seemingly controversial psychological motives behind this unhappy love story, by applying the conceptual model of schema therapy. The main subjects of the investigation are two biographies on Kierkegaard written by Georg Brandes and Joakim Garff as well as Garff's book centered on Kierkegaard's fiancée. While it would be scientifically unfounded to establish any diagnosis of mental disorder based on these materials, it may be possible to point out certain psychological patterns, which can help us understand why the philosopher broke off the betrothal and why he was ruminating on it for so long afterwards. The method of choice for the investigation is schema therapy, which is applicable for the analysis of complex psychological problems. The present study can be considered as a form of psychobiographical investigation focused on a specific event in a historical figure's life. The thoroughness and objectiveness of the biography written by Garff, and Kierkegaard' extraordinary inclination to psychological insight and description, made the available material sufficient for a retrospective schema therapy-based conceptualisation. By the help of this systematic approach, one can gain a deeper understanding of how Kierkegaard's seemingly contradictory feelings, thoughts and acts were influenced by his early maladaptive schemas, schema modes and coping styles, and how they interconnected with each other. Schema conceptualisation can be an applicable psychobiographical method, as long as there is quantitatively and qualitatively sufficient study material available.