Examination of the relation between styles of adult attachments and early maladaptive schemas

Attachment is an emotional bond that develops within the relationship between a child and their caregiver, emerging in the context of the child's search for proximity to meet emotional and physical needs, and characterized by consistency and continuity. Over the years, numerous studies have been conducted to develop the concept of attachment, leading to the formulation of various models. These models have enabled researchers to understand and classify the attachment styles that individuals develop at different stages of life. The adult attachment refers to an individual's tendency to interact with others who provide physical and psychological security and to maintain close relationships with these individuals. Within the framework of cognitive theory, there is a conceptual proximity between the notion of schema and attachment theory. Schemas are cognitive and emotional structures organized around the individual's perception of themselves, others, and the world. In particular, early maladaptive schemas are defined as cognitive-emotional patterns that emerge when a child's core emotional needs are not adequately met during early developmental periods and persist throughout the individual's life, often impairing functionality. Accordingly, the present study examined the relationship between adult attachment styles and early maladaptive schemas. This is a quantitative study employing a relational screening model. The research sample consisted of 193 individuals aged between 19 and 63 years. Of the participants, 72.5% (n = 140) were female, and 27.5% (n = 53) were male. Data were collected online using convenience sampling. The data collection tools included a personal information form, the Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised (ECR-R), and the Young Schema Questionnaire-Short Form 3 (YSQ-SF3). The analysis of the data revealed that adult attachment styles are significantly associated with early maladaptive schemas. Furthermore, while adult attachment styles did not significantly differ by age or gender, they did show significant differences based on the presence of a romantic relationship and the identity of the primary caregiver during childhood. In contrast, early maladaptive schemas did not significantly differ according to age or the childhood caregiver variable, whereas significant differences were found in relation to gender and the presence of a romantic relationship. The findings of this study were discussed in light of the existing literature, and suggestions were provided for researchers and practitioners.