The relationship between early maladaptive schemas and marital relationship characteristics in men and women

Abstract

This study explores how early maladaptive schemas relate to various aspects of marital relationships. We hypothesized that specific schemas — particularly those linked to communication difficulties and rejection — would be associated with marital satisfaction and communication patterns between spouses (including trust, mutual understanding, similarity of views, shared family symbols, and the ease and therapeutic nature of communication) in men and women. The methods employed included the Early Maladaptive Schemas Questionnaire by J. Young (adapted by P. M. Kasyanik and E. V. Romanova); the Marriage Satisfaction Questionnaire (V. V. Stolin, T. L. Romanova, and G. P. Butenko); and the Features of Communication between Spouses Test (Yu. E. Aleshina, L. Ya. Gozman, and E. M. Dubovskaya). Empirical data were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U-test and the Spearman rank correlation coefficient. The study sample consisted of 64 married individuals. The results indicated no gender differences in maladaptive schemas or marital satisfaction. However, female spouses exhibited specific communication patterns with their partners, evaluating them as less trusting and reporting fewer shared family symbols. Women generally showed more associations indicative of relationship breakdown when maladaptive schemas were present. Specifically, in women, all schemas were negatively associated with marital satisfaction, except for the schemas of emotion suppression, rigid standards, and privilege, while in men, only the schemas of seeking approval and negativism were associated with marital satisfaction. Moreover, women demonstrated more connections between maladaptive schemas and indicators of communication between spouses. Practically, these findings may inform interventions aimed at improving the quality of family relationships by identifying and addressing negative patterns.