Predicting Emotional Problems Based on Early Maladaptive Schemas in Individuals Under Methadone Maintenance Treatment

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: The present study aimed to predict emotional problems based on early maladaptive schemas in individuals undergoing methadone maintenance treatment.

Methodology: This descriptive-correlational study was conducted on a statistical population of patients under methadone maintenance treatment in District 7 of Tehran. A sample of 374 individuals was randomly selected, and data from 343 participants across 11 different clinics were ultimately analyzed. Data were collected using the Emotional Problems Questionnaire (Aghaei et al., 2007) and Young’s Early Maladaptive Schema Questionnaire (2005). Data analysis was performed using Pearson correlation and multiple regression in SPSS software.

Findings: Regression analysis revealed that early maladaptive schemas significantly explain 31% of the variance in emotional problems ( , ). Among the domains, disconnection and rejection had the highest contribution to predicting emotional problems ( ). Furthermore, correlation results indicated a significant positive relationship between emotional problems and the domains of disconnection and rejection ( , ), impaired autonomy and performance ( , ), and impaired limits ( , ). However, the relationships for other-directedness ( , ) and overvigilance/inhibition ( , ) were not statistically significant.

Conclusion: Thus, it can be concluded that early maladaptive schemas, particularly in the domain of disconnection and rejection, play a significant role in predicting emotional problems.