Abstract
This study investigated relationships between attachment insecurity, maladaptive cognitive schemas, and various types of psychopathological
symptoms in a sample of clinically referred adolescents (N = 82). A mediation model was tested in which maladaptive schemas operated as mediators in the relations between indices of
attachment quality and conduct, peer, and emotional problems. Results revealed partial support for the hypothesized mediation
effect: the schema domain of disconnection/rejection acted as a mediator in the links between insecure attachment and peer
problems and emotional problems. Further analysis of these effects revealed that different types of maladaptive schemas were
involved in both types of psychopathology. Altogether, findings suggest that treatment of adolescent psychological problems
may need to target the improvement of attachment relationships with peers and parents and the correction of underlying cognitive
schemas.
symptoms in a sample of clinically referred adolescents (N = 82). A mediation model was tested in which maladaptive schemas operated as mediators in the relations between indices of
attachment quality and conduct, peer, and emotional problems. Results revealed partial support for the hypothesized mediation
effect: the schema domain of disconnection/rejection acted as a mediator in the links between insecure attachment and peer
problems and emotional problems. Further analysis of these effects revealed that different types of maladaptive schemas were
involved in both types of psychopathology. Altogether, findings suggest that treatment of adolescent psychological problems
may need to target the improvement of attachment relationships with peers and parents and the correction of underlying cognitive
schemas.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-9
- DOI 10.1007/s10826-012-9589-x
- Authors
- Jeffrey Roelofs, RIAGG Maastricht, Child and Youth Care and Clinical Psychology Science, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Linda Onckels, RIAGG Maastricht, Child and Youth Care and Clinical Psychology Science, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Peter Muris, RIAGG Maastricht, Child and Youth Care and Clinical Psychology Science, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Journal Journal of Child and Family Studies
- Online ISSN 1573-2843
- Print ISSN 1062-1024