Perception of parental attitudes of adults in relation to early maladaptive schemas

Abstract

Parental attitude as an attitude towards children includes rational, emotional and behavioral components. When important emotional needs of children and adolescents are not satisfied, the early maladaptive schemes develop, which may contribute to relationship problems in adulthood. The aim was to study the correlation of maladaptive schemas in adults with the perception of parental attitudes to them in adolescence. There are significant correlations among characteristics of the parental attitudes, as it was perceived by the respondents in their teens, and the level of their early maladaptive schemas. Positive correlative relationships were revealed between indicators of emotional distancing by the mother and early maladaptive schemas from a group of disturbed attachment relationships. The perception of the mother as emotionally cold, distancing and not accepting, lack of love, warmth, care and support in relations with the mother in childhood and adolescence can lead to the formation of maladaptive schemas. Parental attitudes to children demonstrate features that determine formation of early maladaptive schemas. In a sample of respondents who sought psychological help concerning problems in various areas of interpersonal relations, the identified correlations will facilitate better understanding of the mechanisms of the formation of negative attitudes and irrational beliefs in childhood that have been influenced by the parenting style. The results of the study are consistent with the provisions of developmental theory and significantly supplement the concept of family parenting and can be used in practical work on family counseling. Refs 15. Figs 4.