Relationship between childhood traumas and early maladaptive schemas among individuals who are treated for substance abuse: Examination the mediator effect of self compassion

The goal of the present study is to determine and investigate the mediating role of self-compassion in the relationship between childhood trauma and early maladaptive schemas, in individuals with substance abuse problems. In line with this goal, the study utilizes a sociodemographic background questionnaire (developed by the researcher), The Addiction Profile Index, the Young Schema Questionnaire - Short Form, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire and the Self Compassion Scale.These measures were administered to 150 individuals with substance abuse problems, ages ranging from 19 to 43 (M = 27.48, SD = 5.44). Permission to administer the questionnaires was obtained from three local substance abuse treatment organizations: Antalya Ayık Yaşamda Buluşalım Derneği (AYBUDER), Isparta Uyuşturucu Bağımlılıklarla ve Alkolizm ile Mücadele Derneği (UYUMDER) and Konya Sosyal Rehabilitasyon Derneği (REHADER). To increase participation, a link to the study was shared in substance abuse recovery groups on social media. The inclusion criterion for participants was the existence of an active substance abuse problem. Data from 150 individuals were evaluated and 5 individuals' data were excluded from analysis because their BAPI scores categorised them as "in remission". Data from the questionnaires were analysed using MANOVA to determine the effects of demographic variables on early maladaptive schemas. Results revealed that gender had a significant positive effect on early maladaptive schemas, namely emotional deprivation, abandonment, mistrust, social isolation, defectiveness/shame, vulnerability to harm or illness, subjugation, self sacrifice, insufficient self control/self discipline and negativity/pessimism. The potential role of self compassion as a mediator between childhood trauma and the separation/rejection schema was analysed using Hayes' procedure (PROCESS) for multiple mediation. The positive dimension of self compassion was found to mediate the relationship between childhood trauma and the separation/rejection schema.