Self and relational schemas and psychological wellbeing: a cross-sectional survey study of heterosexual adults in the United Kingdom

Self and relational schemas shape how people think, feel, and behave in relation to the self and others. This study focuses on their associations with psychological wellbeing. Specifically, the effects of maladaptive schemas (i.e. insecure attachment style, partner rejection sensitivity, and intolerance of uncertainty in relationships) and adaptive schemas (perceived social support and identity resilience) upon psychological wellbeing were examined in a sample of 287 heterosexual men and women in the United Kingdom. Data were analyzed using hierarchical multiple regression. Results indicated that less anxious attachment, being older, higher perceived social support, and higher identity resilience were associated with psychological wellbeing. When identity resilience was inserted in the model, the effects of partner rejection sensitivity and intolerance of uncertainty in relationships ceased to be statistically significant. The adaptive self-schema of identity resilience could be a valuable focus for integrative therapeutic approaches to the management of maladaptive relational schemas.