The impact of early maladaptive schemas on self-differentiation in substance-dependent individuals: An empirical study
Subject Areas : Psychological Models and Methods
1 - Department of Psychology, Science and Research Branch, Islami Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Keywords: Social isolation/alienation, Mistrust/abuse, emotional deprivation, self-differentiation,
Abstract :
Background and Purpose: Understanding the psychological factors affecting self-differentiation in individuals with substance abuse is vital, especially given the rising prevalence of addiction and its detrimental effects on social life. This study aimed to investigate the impact of maladaptive schemas on self-differentiation among individuals with substance abuse.
Methods: This cross-sectional and descriptive correlational study included all self-identified individuals with substance abuse who sought treatment at substance abuse treatment centers in western Tehran in 2023. The target sample size was 300, based on Morgan's Table. Considering potential dropouts, a total of 350 individuals was recruited. Measurement tools included questionnaires for maladaptive schemas and self-differentiation. Data analysis utilized Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression at significance levels of 0.01 and 0.05.
Findings: The schemas of social isolation/alienation (-0.924), mistrust/abuse (-0.905), emotional deprivation (-0.803), defectiveness/shame (-0.776), emotional inhibition (-0.771), subjugation (-0.759), and failure (-0.743) exhibited a significant negative correlation with self-differentiation (p<0.01). Conversely, the schemas of dependence/incompetence (-0.716), vulnerability to harm or illness (-0.703), and abandonment/instability (-0.664) also showed a significant negative correlation (p<0.05). Regression analysis revealed that the identified schemas had predictive values for self-differentiation with coefficients ranging from -0.346 to -0.171. The coefficient of determination was 0.853, indicating that these eleven schemas accounted for 72 percent of the variance in self-differentiation.
Conclusion: The findings highlight that social isolation/alienation, mistrust/abuse, and emotional deprivation significantly hinder self-differentiation in individuals exhibiting substance abuse behaviors.
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