Investigation of the relationship between smoking addiction, early maladaptive schemas and self-perception in university students

This study aims to examine the relationships between smoking addiction, early maladaptive schemas (EMS), and self-perception among university students. Conducted within the framework of a relational survey model, data were collected from 273 university students. The instruments used included the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence, the Young Schema Questionnaire – Short Form 3 (YSQ-SF3), and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). The data were analyzed using correlation analysis, one-way ANOVA, and Hayes' PROCESS Macro (Model 4) for mediation analysis. The findings revealed significant positive relationships between smoking addiction and certain early maladaptive schemas—such as abandonment, defectiveness, dependence, and self-sacrifice—and a significant negative relationship between smoking addiction and self-esteem. Additionally, several schemas were found to have partial or full mediating effects in the relationship between smoking addiction and self-perception. Male participants showed significantly higher levels of smoking addiction compared to females. Although the approval-seeking schema did not correlate directly with smoking addiction, it was more prevalent among individuals with lower income levels, suggesting a potential link with socioeconomic stress. These results indicate that smoking addiction is not solely related to biological or environmental factors, but also to early life experiences, schema structures, and self-concept. The findings highlight the importance of addressing schema patterns and enhancing self-perception in psychological interventions and psychoeducational programs targeting university students.