The associations between early maladaptive schemas and adult attachment styles : A meta-analysis

This article reports on the first meta-analysis into the relationships between attachment styles and early maladaptive schemas (EMS). Fifteen studies were included. All associations were estimated using a random-effects model. Overall, insecure attachment styles were significantly positively associated with EMS (anxious attachment r = .36, avoidant attachment r = .22, fearful attachment r = .28) and significantly negatively associated with secure attachment (r = −.13). Subgroup analyses revealed differences in the magnitude of the associations between attachment styles and specific EMS. Anxious attachment demonstrated larger associations with EMS (compared to avoidant attachment) within the schema domains of disconnection/rejection (r = .49 vs. r = .31) and other-directedness (r = .32 vs. r = .12). The findings have important implications for the advancement of theory, research, and clinical practice in the fields of adult attachment and schema therapy. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)