The effects of early maladaptive schemas on relationship satisfaction in dating individuals: Testing the mediator role of relational obsessive compulsive symptoms

The main purpose of this study is to examine the mediating roles of relationship obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS) (romantic relationship-based obsessive-compulsive symptoms and partner-based obsessive-compulsive symptoms) in the relationship between early maladaptive schema domains and relationship satisfaction in individuals in romantic relationships. This study was conducted with total of 475 participants. Socio-Demographic Data Form, Young Schema Questionnaire Short Form-3 (YSQ-SF3), Relationship Assessment Scale (RAS), Romantic RelationshipObsessive Compulsive Inventory (ROCI), Partner-Related Obsessive- Compulsive Symptoms Inventory (PROCSI) were used to collect data in the study. As a result of the analyses, it was found that early maladaptive schema domains (disconnection and rejection, impaired autonomy and performance, impaired limits, other-directedness, overvigilance and inhibition) are negatively associated with relationship satisfaction. Besides, results demonstrated that all early maladaptive schemas are positively associated with relationship obsessive compulsive symptoms. On the other hand, a negative relationship was found between relationship obsessive-compulsive symptoms and relationship satisfaction. According to the results of the mediation analyses, it was found thatpartner-based obsessive-compulsive symptoms play a mediating role in the relationship between impaired limits, other-directedness, overvigilance and inhibition, and relationship satisfaction. Furthermore, it was determined that romantic relationship-based obsessive-compulsive symptoms play a significant mediating role in the relationship between impaired autonomy and performance, impaired limits, other-directedness, overvigilance and inhibition, and relationship satisfaction. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the important role of early maladaptive schemas and relationship OCS on relationship satisfaction.The results of the present study were discussed within the framework of the relevant literature.