The Difference in Early Maladaptive Schemas Between Men and Women
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Abstract
The study of personality is important for understanding differences in psychological traits between sexes. Schema Therapy (ST) was developed to treat chronic psychological disorders and is based on the concept of Early Maladaptive Schemas (EMSs), defined as 18 dysfunctional patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. To assess EMSs, the Young Schema Questionnaire – Long Form (YSQ-L3) is used, a self-report instrument with 232 items rated on a 6-point Likert scale. This study compared EMSs between men and women in the general population. A total of 810 individuals (302 men and 508 women) participated, with a mean age of 30.66 years (SD = 10.65), completing the YSQ-L3 and a sociodemographic questionnaire. The results showed statistically significant differences in the EMSs of Emotional Deprivation, Enmeshment, and Self-Sacrifice. These findings are in line with previous research and provide insights into sex-specific patterns of EMSs, which may support more targeted clinical assessment and intervention.
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