Role of Father–Child Relational Quality in Early Maladaptive Schemas

BACKGROUND Primary maladaptive schemas, which are the basis of high-risk behavior and psychological disorders, result from childhood experiences with significant objects, such as fathers, in different developmental phases. OBJECTIVES This endeavor examined the role of the father in predicting these schemas. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 345 Islamic Azad University students (Qom Branch) who were chosen through convenience sampling completed the Young Schema Questionnaire, the Parental Bonding Instrument, and the Parent-Child Relationship Survey. RESULTS A multivariate regression analysis indicated that anumber of aspects of the father-child relationship, including care, emotional interaction, positive affection, the effective relationship, and excessive support, predict particular schemas. CONCLUSIONS Therefore, these findings suggested that psychotherapists examine the different aspects of the father-child relationship when restructuring schemas.