The mediating role of cognitive distortion in the relationship between early maladaptive schemas and social anxiety

The aim of this study is to examine the mediating role of cognitive distortion in the relationship between early maladaptive schemas and social anxiety. The sample of the study comprised 516 university students aged between 18-35, 384 female (74.4%) and 132 male (25.6%). Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale, Young Schema Scale-Short Form 3 and Cognitive Distortions Scale were employed in the study. Pearson correlation analysis, independent samples t-test, non-parametric Kruskal Wallis-H, non-parametric Spearman correlation and mediation analysis were used in the analysis of the data. As a result of the analysis, it was determined that the catastrophizing, emotional reasoning, and mental filter that are the sub-dimensions of the cognitive distortion scale levels of the female participants were significantly higher than the males. When the research findings were examined, it was seen that the cognitive distortion scores differed according to family income level. According to this; It has been determined that individuals with low income levels have higher cognitive distortion scores than individuals with middle income levels. According to the results of the correlation analysis, it was determined that there are positive and significant relationships between early maladaptive schemas, social anxiety and cognitive distortions. As a result of the mediation analysis, it was determined that the sub-dimensions of catastrophizing, all or nothing thinking, emotional reasoning, labeling, mental filtering, overgeneralization, personalization, should statements, and discounting the positive had a mediating effect in the relationship between early maladaptive schemas and social anxiety. However, no mediating role of the mind reading subdimension was found in the relationship between early maladaptive schemas and social anxiety. The results of the study were discussed in the light of the relevant literature and suggestions were presented. Keywords: Early maladaptive schema, social anxiety, cognitive distortions