Scientific research and clinical experiences of psychotherapists show that early maladaptive schemas, which are known to develop as a result of negative childhood experiences, are associated with negative mental health outcomes. In this context, theoretical and practical applications on early maladaptive schemas are important for mental health. In this study, the mediating role of cognitive flexibility, coping styles, emotion regulation skills and defense mechanisms in the effect of early maladaptive schemas on psychological well-being was investigated. Young Schema Questionnaire, Defense Styles Questionnaire, Coping With Stress Scale, Cognitive Flexibility Inventory, Emotion Regulation Skills Questionnaire and Psychological Well-being Scale were used in the study. The sample group consisted of 600 young adult participants drawn from a non-clinical population using convenience sampling. The participants were 335 (55.8%) female and 265 (44.2%) male, with a mean age of 21.33 years, ranging in age from 18 to 55 years. Both single-mediator and parallel multiple-mediator analysis were used. SPSS Process Macro add-in was used in the mediation analysis. Problem-focused coping, social support seeking, emotion regulation skills and cognitive flexibility were found to be statistically associated as mediators in the relationship between early maladaptive schemas and psychological well-being. The research findings suggest that maladaptive schemas formed in early childhood may be associated with psychological well-being through cognitive flexibility, emotion regulation skills, and coping strategies. In clinical practice, when working with early maladaptive schemas, focusing on cognitive flexibility, problem-focused coping, social support, and emotion regulation skills may be potentially beneficial in improving psychological well-being.
Eken et al. (2026) studied this question.