Background Although previous studies researching the relationship between Early Maladaptive Schemas (EMS) and anxiety symptoms exist, the correlation between EMS and transdiagnostic anxiety...Show moreBackground Although previous studies researching the relationship between Early Maladaptive Schemas (EMS) and anxiety symptoms exist, the correlation between EMS and transdiagnostic anxiety symptoms is yet to be explored. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the relationship between EMS domain Other-Directedness and transdiagnostic anxiety symptoms. Methods The sample of this study consisted of 125 respondents (114 females, 12 males, median age = 18[2,00]), all Leiden University students aged 16 years and older. Respondents completed the Young Schema Questionnaire (YSQ-S3) to measure EMS domain Other-Directedness and the DSM-5 SelfRated Level 1 Cross-Cutting Symptom Measure—Adult (DSM-5) to measure transdiagnostic anxiety symptoms. The correlation between the two variables was analyzed in Jamovi using a Pearson Correlation Test. Results Analysis showed a relationship between EMS domain Other-Directedness and transdiagnostic anxiety symptoms (r= 0.412 p<.001). Exploratory analysis showed a relationship between EMS Subjugation (r=0.475 p<.001) and EMS Self-Sacrifice (r=0.324 p<.001) and transdiagnostic anxiety symptoms. No relationship between EMS Approval-/Recognition-Seeking and transdiagnostic anxiety symptoms was found (r=0.153 p=0.089). Conclusions The results of this study support a relationship between EMS domain Other-Directedness and transdiagnostic anxiety symptoms in Leiden University students. Implications for the clinical field are that the findings of the current study can contribute to the development of treatment methods for comorbid diagnoses.Show less
Depressive symptoms currently affect around a third of students enrolled in Dutch universities. Its occurrence has been associated with both Early Maladaptive Schemas (EMS) domain Disconnection ...Show moreDepressive symptoms currently affect around a third of students enrolled in Dutch universities. Its occurrence has been associated with both Early Maladaptive Schemas (EMS) domain Disconnection & Rejection as well as Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Furthermore, ACEs have been shown to be a risk factor, however not predictor of depressive symptoms. To understand this relationship further and explain individual differences, this cross-sectional study aimed to confirm that the relationship between ACEs and transdiagnostic depressive symptoms is mediated by EMS domain Disconnection & Rejection. 125 students (age mdn=19; 91.2% female) enrolled at Leiden University from different nationalities responded to our questionnaire, consisting of validated questionnaires assessing the relevant variables. Mediation analysis between ACE scores, transdiagnostic depressive symptoms and EMS domain Disconnection & Rejection scores revealed a significant indirect effect (ab=0.2289, p<0.001), accounting for 82% of the relationship. Exploratory analysis revealed that individual schemas of EMS domain Disconnection & Rejection (Abandonment, Mistrust/Abuse, Emotional Deprivation, Defectiveness/Shame and Social Isolation) also significantly mediated this relationship. Our data suggests that in a population with ACEs, transdiagnostic depressive symptoms could partly be explained through the presence of EMS domain Disconnection & Rejection, which could be an explanation for individual differences and provides evidence for a cognitive route in the onset of depressive symptoms.Show less
