Investigating the Relationship between Early Maladaptive Schemas and Marital Satisfaction in Married Women

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between early maladaptive schemas (EMSs) and marital satisfaction among married women. Methodology: This study was applied in purpose and descriptive-correlational in method. The statistical population consisted of married female students at the Islamic Azad University, Mashhad Branch, during the 2023–2024 academic year. A sample of 210 participants was selected via convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Young Schema Questionnaire–Short Form (YSQ-SF) and the ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using Pearson correlation coefficients and multiple regression analysis. Findings: The results demonstrated a significant inverse relationship between all 15 components of early maladaptive schemas and marital satisfaction (p < 0.01). Regression analysis revealed that early maladaptive schemas accounted for 37.7% of the variance in marital satisfaction (R² = 0.377). Furthermore, the strongest negative correlations with marital satisfaction were observed for the schemas of “Mistrust/Abuse,” “Social Isolation/Alienation,” and “Abandonment/Instability.” Conclusion: These findings confirm that the presence and activation of early maladaptive schemas are associated with reduced marital satisfaction in married women. These schemas generate self-defeating cognitive-emotional patterns that disrupt interpersonal interactions and diminish marital quality. Consequently, identifying and restructuring these schemas within psychological interventions, pre-marital counseling, and couple therapy is essential for enhancing mental health and family stability.                                                                                  

Keywords: Early Maladaptive Schemas, Marital Satisfaction, Married Women, Couple Therapy, Family Health.