Early Maladaptive Schemas and Early Trauma Experiences in Depressed and Non Depressed Individuals: An Indian Study

By : M. Manjula, Mareena Susan Wesley

Page No: 125-137

Abstract
Early maladaptive schemas (EMS) are hypothesised to arise from early trauma experiences and EMS are reported to be related to depression and severity of depression. However there is no clear understanding about relationship between the specific EMS and type of traumatic experiences and their relationship to depression. The study aimed at examining EMS and early trauma experiences in depressed and non depressed individuals. The sample comprised of 30 individuals diagnosed with depression (study group) and 30 non depressed individuals (control group). The study adopted a cross sectional exploratory design and used Sociodemographic data sheet, The Mini–International Neuropsychiatric Interview, General Health Questionnaire-12, Becks Depression Inventory I, Young Schema Questionnaire and Early Trauma Inventory. Analysis revealed that individuals in the study group scored higher on all the schema domains. They also reported more trauma experiences in terms of total trauma, emotional and sexual trauma compared to control group. The study group differed significantly on all schema domains except for ‘self sacrifice’, ‘entitlement’ and ‘unrelenting standards’ from the control group. The study throws light on the role of early trauma experiences in the formation of maladaptive schemas in depression.

Authors :
Mareena Susan Wesley : PhD Scholar, Department of Clinical Psychology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore - 560 029, India.
M. Manjula : Additional Professor, Department of Clinical Psychology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore- 560 029, India