Attachment Styles and Initial Maladaptive Schemes in University Students

Abstract

The study aimed to: 1) Assess if Attachment dimensions can be predictive of early maladaptive schemas (EIDs); 2) Analyze the relationship between Attachment style and EIDs; 3) Access the relationship between activation of EIDs and the variables "living alone", "with parents" or "with peers". Sixty university students of both sexes aged between 18 and 26 years participated. A cross-sectional method of data collection was used, with the application of instruments for evaluating attaachment schemes and styles. The data analysis had a quantitative approach. It was identified that students with secure attachment styles present fewer activated EIDs and that attachment dimensions are able to predict the activation of schemas in the first domain. Still, there are statistical differences regarding the activation of the EIDs when comparing the variables living alone and with a partner. The importance of secure attachment for lower activation of EIDs in university students is discussed, as well as its implications. Also, the importance of the close support network at this time of development is emphasized.