The Moderating Role of Resilience in the Relationship Between Early Maladaptive Schemas and Anxiety and Depression Symptoms Among Firefighters

Objective: This study aimed to examine the moderating role of resilience in the relationship between early maladaptive schemas and anxiety and depression symptoms among firefighters. Methods: The study participants (N=225) were selected from the firefighters of Mashhad City through randomized sampling method. The data were collected by means of Young early maladaptive schemas questionnaire (long form), Conner-Davidson resilience scale, and anxiety and depression subscales of depression anxiety stress scale. A stepwise moderated regression was conducted in SPSS 23 to analyze the data. Results: The regression analysis showed that resilience had a moderating role in the relationship between anxiety symptoms and impaired limits (P=0.009, t=-2.70, β=-1.31), other- directedness (P=0.001, t=-3.37, β=-1.65), and over vigilance and inhibition (P=0.002, t=-3.18, β=-1.36). Resilience had also a moderating role in the relationship between depression symptoms and disconnection and rejection (P=0.002, t=-3.14, β=-0.88), impaired limits (P=0.011, t=-2.60, β=-1.24), other-directedness (P=0.000, t=-4.12, β=-1.87) and over vigilance and inhibition (P=0.005, t=-2.89, β=-1.25). Conclusion: The results of the study revealed that resilience could decrease anxiety and depression symptoms by moderating the relationship between maladaptive schemas and anxiety and depression symptoms.