The predictive effect of early maladaptive schemas on depression level and romantic relationship satisfaction

The aim of this study was to examine the predictive effect of early maladaptive schemas on individuals' depression levels and romantic relationship satisfaction. The study sample consisted of individuals aged 18 to 65, the majority of whom were women with higher education. Data were collected using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Young Schema Questionnaire–Short Form 3 (YSQ-SF3), and the Relationship Assessment Scale (RAS). Correlation and regression analyses were employed. The findings indicated that early maladaptive schemas significantly predicted depression levels, but their effect on romantic relationship satisfaction was not statistically significant. In contrast, depression significantly and negatively predicted romantic relationship satisfaction. Significant differences were observed across leves of demographic variables (gender, age, education) in early maladaptive schemas, depression, and romantic relationship satisfaction. In addition, relationship satisfaction increased with relationship duration. These results suggest that psychological assessments should address not only symptomatic manifestations but also early schema patterns rooted in childhood experiences. Schema-based therapeutic interventions may be particularly effective in addressing depression-related psychological difficulties.