The Associations Between Early Maladaptive Schemas and Adult Attachment Styles: A Meta-Analysis

• Published in: Clinical psychology (New York, N.Y.) N.Y.), 2023-03, Vol.30 (1), p.1-20
• Main Authors: Karantzas, Gery C., Younan, Rita, Pilkington, Pamela D.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anxiety; Attachment Behavior; Attachment Theory; Clinical Models; Clinical Practice; Human; Schema; Schema Therapy
• ISSN: 0969-5893; 1468-2850
• DOI: 10.1037/cps0000108

This article reports on the first meta-analysis into the relationships between attachment styles and early maladaptive schemas (EMS). Fifteen studies were included. All associations were estimated using a random-effects model. Overall, insecure attachment styles were significantly positively associated with EMS (anxious attachment r = .36, avoidant attachment r = .22, fearful attachment r = .28) and significantly negatively associated with secure attachment (r = −.13). Subgroup analyses revealed differences in the magnitude of the associations between attachment styles and specific EMS. Anxious attachment demonstrated larger associations with EMS (compared to avoidant attachment) within the schema domains of disconnection/rejection (r = .49 vs. r = .31) and other-directedness (r = .32 vs. r = .12). The findings have important implications for the advancement of theory, research, and clinical practice in the fields of adult attachment and schema therapy. Public Health Significance Statement This study is the first quantitative review into the state of the field regarding the associations between adult attachment styles and early maladaptive schemas. The integration of adult attachment styles with early maladaptive schemas as part of this meta-analysis provides an important organizational framework regarding the maladaptive mental representations that insecure individuals harbor regarding their views of themselves and others. The findings provide therapists with an understanding of the maladaptive schemas that can feature in the presentation of clients who differ in attachment styles and how to tailor therapy to address the maladaptive schemas and coping patterns for different forms of attachment insecurity.