Structural Model Comparison of the Relationship Between Early Maladaptive Schemas and Self-Compassion via Affective Flexibility in Women Seeking Divorce and Non-clinical Women
Keywords:
affective flexibility, self-compassion, maladaptive schemas, divorceAbstract
The present study aimed to compare a structural model of the relationship between early maladaptive schemas and self-compassion, mediated by affective flexibility, in women seeking divorce and non-clinical women. This research employed a correlational design using structural equation modeling (SEM). The statistical population comprised all women seeking divorce and non-clinical women who attended counseling and psychology centers in Tehran in 2024. From this population, 400 participants (200 women seeking divorce and 200 non-clinical women) were selected via multi-stage cluster sampling based on the study’s inclusion criteria. Data were collected using the Self-Compassion Scale, Young Schema Questionnaire, and the Affective Flexibility Scale. Data analysis was performed in SPSS and AMOS using SEM. Results indicated that the proposed model demonstrated good fit. The direct effect of early maladaptive schemas on affective flexibility was significantly negative in both groups (women seeking divorce and non-clinical women). Likewise, early maladaptive schemas had a significantly negative effect on self-compassion in both groups. Examination of indirect coefficients and model comparisons showed that the mediating effect of affective flexibility in the relationship between early maladaptive schemas and self-compassion was stronger among women seeking divorce than among non-clinical women. Overall, the findings suggest that early maladaptive schemas influence self-compassion through affective flexibility in both women seeking divorce and non-clinical women.
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References
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