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

• Published in: Clinical psychologist (Australian Psychological Society) 2024-09, Vol.28 (3), p.317-330
• Main Authors: Fernando, Saddha K., Quinlan, Elly, Paparo, Josephine
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Behavior problems; Child abuse & neglect; Childhood; College students; Deprivation; Emotions; Life satisfaction; Path analysis; Personal relationships; Psychology; Relationship satisfaction; Romantic relationships; Schemas; Survivor
• ISSN: 1328-4207; 1742-9552
• DOI: 10.1080/13284207.2024.2415953

ObjectiveSurvivors 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.MethodThe 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.ResultsCEM 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.ConclusionsThese 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.