Childhood emotional maltreatment and romantic relationship satisfaction: the mediating role of early maladaptive schemas

Saddha K. Fernando, Elly Quinlan, Josephine Paparo*

*Corresponding author for this work

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Abstract

Objective
Survivors of childhood emotional maltreatment (CEM) often report lower levels of romantic relationship satisfaction in later life, yet the mechanisms through which this occurs are unclear. Theoretical and empirical evidence suggests a potential pathway underlying this association is early maladaptive schemas (EMS), however, research is limited. The present study sought out to clarify the association between CEM and current romantic relationship satisfaction, and whether EMS mediate this relationship.

Method
The final sample consisted of 230 undergraduate psychology students. An anonymous online survey was administered assessing childhood maltreatment, EMS and current romantic relationship satisfaction. Data pertaining to possible covariates were also collected.

Results
CEM was found to be negatively correlated with relationship satisfaction. The results of path analysis additionally revealed emotional deprivation as the only early maladaptive schema to mediate this relationship.

Conclusions
These findings contribute to the understanding of how CEM may be related to relationship satisfaction, via EMS. In particular, they suggest experiences of CEM may strengthen the belief that others will not meet one’s emotional needs, which in turn, may be associated with reduced levels of romantic relationship satisfaction. Implications for clinical interventions to support adult survivors of CEM are discussed.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)317-330
Number of pages14
JournalClinical Psychologist
Volume28
Issue number3
Early online dateSept 2024
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Oct 2024

Bibliographical note

Copyright the Author(s) 2024. Version archived for private and non-commercial use with the permission of the author/s and according to publisher conditions. For further rights please contact the publisher.

Keywords

  • childhood emotional maltreatment
  • early maladaptive schemas
  • emotional deprivation
  • relationship satisfaction
  • schema therapy

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