2 research outputs found
Thinking about feeling: using trait emotional intelligence in understanding the associations between early maladaptive schemas and coping styles
Objectives:
Maladaptive interpersonal schemas can trigger distressing emotions and drive dysfunctional behaviour that leads to difficulties in interpersonal relationships and perpetuates the original maladaptive schemas. This study sought to identify patterns of association between trait emotional intelligence (TEI), early maladaptive schemas (EMS), and coping styles in a nonâclinical sample. Emotionality profiles were hypothesized to be associated with EMS severity and poorer coping, as early experiences can shape an individual's selfâperceptions through reinforcement by maladaptive responses.
Design:
Crossâsectional study with 142 undergraduate students.
Methods:
We obtained selfâreports of TEI, coping styles, and EMS.
Results:
Disengagement coping was strongly correlated with EMS severity (r = .565, p < .01). TEI was negatively correlated with EMS (r = â.660, p < .01) and Disengagement (r = â.405, p < .01). Emotionality, Impaired Autonomy, and Overvigilance partially mediated the relationship between Disconnection and EmotionâFocused Disengagement. SelfâControl fully mediated the relationship between Impaired Limits and ProblemâFocused Disengagement.
Conclusions:
The findings suggest that lower TEI is associated with the likelihood for maladaptive coping in response to EMS. The preference for certain coping styles associated with a particular domain of EMS may be explained by an individual's perceived metacognitive ability to regulate their stress and emotions. When individualsâ needs for love, safety, and acceptance from others are not met, there might be poorer perceived selfâefficacies in Emotionality and the tendency to cope through emotional avoidance. Individuals with difficulties establishing internal limits are more likely to respond with problem avoidance, possibly due to deficient distress tolerance. Longitudinal studies with a clinical population are warranted to replicate these findings