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.