Examination of the relationship between early maladaptive schemas and risky behaviors in adolescents

This research aims to examine the relationship between early maladaptive schemas and risky behaviors in adolescents. The study utilized a relational survey model. The study group was formed using a purposive sampling method, consisting of a total of 488 students (319 girls and 169 boys) enrolled in 9th and 10th grades at public two high schools in Kırıkkale during the 2022-2023 academic year. Data collection tools included a "Personal Information Form" developed by the researcher, the "Risky Behavior Scale (RBS)" developed by Gençtanırım (2010) to identify risky behaviors in adolescents, and the "Schema Inventory for Children and Adolescents (SICA)" developed by Güner (2013) to identify early maladaptive schemas in adolescents. The data obtained in the study were analyzed using the SPSS 21 software package. To examine the differentiation of variables by gender, the ındependent samples T-Test, a parametric method, and the Mann-Whitney U Test, a non-parametric method, were used. To explore the relationships between variables, Pearson's Product-Moment Correlation Analysis and Spearman-Brown Rank Differences Correlation Analysis were conducted. Additionally, to better understand the relationships between variables, Network Analysis was performed using a plugin based on the R programming language within the Jasp program. The analysis results revealed that among risky behaviors, school dropout and suicidal tendencies differed by gender, with suicidal tendencies being more prominent in girls and school dropout being more prominent in boys. When examining the differentiation of early maladaptive schemas by gender, it was found that the schemas of enmeshment/undeveloped self, self-sacrifice, subjugation, insufficient self-control, and punitiveness did not differ by gender, while other schemas differed significantly, with girls showing more differentiation compared to boys. In terms of the relationship between risky behaviors and early maladaptive schemas, it was found that there was no statistically significant relationship between the enmeshment/undeveloped self schema and risky behaviors, while other schemas showed statistically significant relationships with risky behaviors. According to the Network Analysis, suicidal tendencies, a form of risky behavior, were found to have strong network relationships with early maladaptive schemas. The findings of the research were discussed in light of the literature, and appropriate recommendations were provided. Keywords: Adolescents, Early Maladaptive Schemas, Risky Behaviors