Mediating roles of self-compassion, gratitude and forgiveness in the relationship between early maladaptive schemas and breakup adjustment: a mixed method study

The main purpose of the current thesis was to investigate mediating effects of three positive psychological mechanisms (i.e. self-compassion, gratitude and forgiveness) in the relationship between early maladaptive schema domains and breakup adjustment in youth. A mixed-method design was employed to achieve this aim, and a quantitative and qualitative study were performed, respectively. In the quantitative strand, Young Schema Questionnaire – Short Form Version 3, Fisher Divorce Adjustment Scale, Self-Compassion Scale, Gratitude Questionnaire and The Forgiving Personality Scale were used to collect data from 253 university students with an ended romantic relationship. The results of the mediation analyses showed that self-compassion and gratitude, but not forgiveness, significantly mediated the relationship between all early maladaptive schema domains and breakup adjustment in youth. In the qualitative strand, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 5 university students who had relatively higher break up adjustment yet lower total early maladaptive schema scores. Obtained data was analyzed using thematic analysis. In total, 8 super-ordinate themes emerged from the data, which were classified under three psychological mechanisms. Firstly, self-compassion included the following themes: (1) self-compassion strengthening self-value of the affected partner, (2) self-compassion as a functional but difficult-to-implement coping strategy, and (3) self-compassion increasing focus on oneself. Secondly, gratitude included the following themes: (1) gratitude bringing resolution after romantic breakup, and (2) feelings of excessive gratitude bringing vulnerability. Thirdly, forgiveness included the following themes: (1) forgiveness enhancing positive emotional state in the adjustment process, (2) ambivalence regarding functions of the forgiveness, and (3) forgiveness being dependent upon certain conditions. Findings obtained from two studies were discussed in line with the relevant literature. Keywords: Breakup Adjustment, Early Maladaptive Schemas, Forgiveness, Gratitude, Self-Compassion