Abstract
Several authors have recently suggested the integration of mindfulness and mindfulness-based interventions into the schema therapy framework due to practical and theoretical compatibilities between these approaches. Preliminary research has demonstrated negative correlations between mindful attention-awareness and early maladaptive schemas, a key construct in schema therapy. However, little is known about the associations between early maladaptive schemas and mindfulness, particularly which specific early maladaptive schemas are related to mindful attention-awareness. This study examined the relationship between early maladaptive schemas, assessed with the Young Schema Questionnaire Short Form—Extended (YSQ-S2-Extended), and mindful attention-awareness, assessed with the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), in a community sample of Finnish adults (N = 215). Findings demonstrated that 17 out of 18 early maladaptive schemas were negatively correlated with mindful attention-awareness. In addition, three early maladaptive schemas, characterized by lack of self-control and avoidance of thoughts and emotions, were significantly related to low mindful attention-awareness in the linear regression. This study provides further empirical support for proposed associations between the presence of maladaptive cognitive schemas and a low ability to focus attention on experiences in the present in a mindful way. Future research is needed to study whether mindfulness-based interventions are beneficial in observing or reducing early maladaptive schemas and maladaptive coping strategies associated with them.
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NF designed the study, analyzed the data, and wrote the manuscript. SS collaborated on the design of the study and contributed to the data analysis and writing of the manuscript. MK collaborated in the writing and editing of the manuscript and was responsible for data collection. PK collaborated in the writing and editing of the manuscript. KH collaborated on the design of the study, was responsible for data collection, and contributed to the data analysis and writing of the manuscript.
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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.
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The present study was conducted with the approval of the Committee on Research Ethics of the University of Eastern Finland (UEF), Finland.
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Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study.
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Flink, N., Sinikallio, S., Kuittinen, M. et al. Associations Between Early Maladaptive Schemas and Mindful Attention-Awareness. Mindfulness 9, 1216–1223 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-017-0863-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-017-0863-2