Enter your email address
Submit
Write your message
Volume 25, Issue 159 (5-2026)
Journal of Psychological Science 2026, 25(159): 1-22 |
Back to browse issues page
Download citation:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
Entezari H, Azadyekta M, Sabet M. (2026). Presenting a Structural Model of the Effect of Early Maladaptive Schemas on Social Functioning with the Mediating Role of Sense of Coherence in Spousally Bereaved Individuals. Journal of Psychological Science. 25(159), : 13 doi:10.61186/jps.25.159.13
URL: http://psychologicalscience.ir/article-1-3104-en.html
URL: http://psychologicalscience.ir/article-1-3104-en.html
Department of Psychology, Islamic Azad University, Islamshahr Branch, Islamshahr, Iran. , m.azadyekta@yahoo.com
Abstract: (283 Views)
Background: Spousal bereavement is one of the most severe life crises and can seriously impair individuals’ social functioning. Evidence suggests that early maladaptive schemas are associated with reduced social adjustment in bereaved individuals, whereas sense of coherence, as a protective psychological resource, may buffer this relationship. Despite the importance of these variables, the structural relationships among early maladaptive schemas, sense of coherence, and social functioning in spousally bereaved individuals have been less frequently examined.
Aims: The present study aimed to investigate the mediating role of sense of coherence in the relationship between early maladaptive schemas and social functioning in men and women bereaved by the loss of a spouse.
Methods: This applied study employed a descriptive–correlational design. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the structural relationships among the study variables. The statistical population comprised all spousally bereaved men and women residing in Tehran, from whom a sample of 430 participants was selected using convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Young Early Maladaptive Schema Questionnaire (Young, 1999), the Sense of Coherence Scale (Antonovsky,1998), and the Social Functioning Questionnaire (Clumet et al., 2014). After preliminary descriptive analyses in SPSS version 27, the conceptual model was tested using AMOS version 24 at a significance level of 0.05.
Results: The findings indicated that early maladaptive schemas were negatively associated with social functioning and sense of coherence, whereas sense of coherence was positively and significantly related to social functioning (p<0.05). The results of structural equation modeling demonstrated that sense of coherence played a significant mediating role in the relationship between certain dimensions of early maladaptive schemas (disconnection/rejection, impaired autonomy, and impaired limits) and social functioning in spousally bereaved individuals (p< 0.05). In contrast, the mediating role of sense of coherence in the relationships between other-directedness and overvigilance/inhibition with social functioning was not statistically significant.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that strengthening sense of coherence can reduce the negative effects of early maladaptive schemas on social functioning. These results underscore the importance of designing psychological interventions aimed at identifying and modifying maladaptive schemas and enhancing sense of coherence, particularly among spousally bereaved individuals.
Aims: The present study aimed to investigate the mediating role of sense of coherence in the relationship between early maladaptive schemas and social functioning in men and women bereaved by the loss of a spouse.
Methods: This applied study employed a descriptive–correlational design. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the structural relationships among the study variables. The statistical population comprised all spousally bereaved men and women residing in Tehran, from whom a sample of 430 participants was selected using convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Young Early Maladaptive Schema Questionnaire (Young, 1999), the Sense of Coherence Scale (Antonovsky,1998), and the Social Functioning Questionnaire (Clumet et al., 2014). After preliminary descriptive analyses in SPSS version 27, the conceptual model was tested using AMOS version 24 at a significance level of 0.05.
Results: The findings indicated that early maladaptive schemas were negatively associated with social functioning and sense of coherence, whereas sense of coherence was positively and significantly related to social functioning (p<0.05). The results of structural equation modeling demonstrated that sense of coherence played a significant mediating role in the relationship between certain dimensions of early maladaptive schemas (disconnection/rejection, impaired autonomy, and impaired limits) and social functioning in spousally bereaved individuals (p< 0.05). In contrast, the mediating role of sense of coherence in the relationships between other-directedness and overvigilance/inhibition with social functioning was not statistically significant.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that strengthening sense of coherence can reduce the negative effects of early maladaptive schemas on social functioning. These results underscore the importance of designing psychological interventions aimed at identifying and modifying maladaptive schemas and enhancing sense of coherence, particularly among spousally bereaved individuals.
Article number: 13
Keywords: Early maladaptive schemas, Sense of coherence, Social functioning, Spousally bereaved individuals.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/09/2 | Accepted: 2025/11/4 | Published: 2026/05/22
Received: 2025/09/2 | Accepted: 2025/11/4 | Published: 2026/05/22
References
1. علی پور، احمد و شریف، نسیم (1391). بررسی روایی و پایایی پرسشنامه حس انسجام در دانشجویان. مجله بولتن پژوهش در علوم پزشکی، 1(85)، 50-56. https://www.magiran.com/p1015997
2. قصابیان، همایون (1400). هنجاریابی و ویژگی های روانسنجی پرسشنامه عملکرد اجتماعی. پایان نامه کارشناسی ارشد دانشگاه علامه طباطبایی.
3. مهدوی، سمیه و آزادی، مهران (1400). هنجاریابی پرسشنامه طرحواره های ناسازگار یانگ در بین دانشجویان. فصلنامه اندازه گیری تربیتی، 12(45)،137-166. DOI: 10.22054/jem.2022.58601.2142
4. Aebissa, M. (2023). Effective communication: the key to success. Journal of Organizational Culture Communications and Conflict, 27(5), 1-2.https://www.abacademies.org/articles/effective-communication-the-key-to-success-16363.html
5. Alipour, A., & Sharif, N. (2012). Examination of the validity and reliability of the Sense of Coherence Questionnaire in university students. Bulletin of Research in Medical Sciences, 1(85), 50–56. https://www.magiran.com/p1015997 (in persian).
6. Antonovsky, A. (2002). Unraveling the mystery of health: How people manage stress and stay well. In The health psychology reader (pp. 127-139). SAGE Publications Ltd. https://awspntest.apa.org/record/1987-97506-000
7. Bian, C., Zhao, W. W., Yan, S. R., Chen, S. Y., Cheng, Y., & Zhang, Y. H. (2023). Effect of interpersonal psychotherapy on social functioning, overall functioning and negative emotions for depression: A meta-analysis. Journal of affective disorders, 320, 230-240. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2022.09.119
8. Boelen, P. A., & O'Connor, M. (2022). Is a sense of coherence associated with prolonged grief, depression, and satisfaction with life after bereavement? A longitudinal study. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 29(5), 1599-1610.doi: 10.1002/cpp.2774.
9. Costa, I. F. D., Tomaz, M. P., Pessoa, G. D. N., Miranda, H. D. S., & Galdino, M. K. (2020). Early maladaptive schemas and harm avoidance as mediating factors between early life stress and psychiatric symptoms in adults. Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry, 42(5), 489-495. doi: 10.1590/1516-4446-2019-0593.
10. Ghasabian, H. (2021). Standardization and psychometric properties of the Social Functioning Questionnaire (Master’s thesis). Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran. (in persian).
11. Ghosh, D., & Halder, S. (2025). The Role of Social Cognition in Depression and Its Relationship to Early Maladaptive Schemas. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 47(2), 127-132. https://doi.org/10.1177/02537176241233632
12. Hjelseng, I. V., Vaskinn, A., Ueland, T., Lunding, S. H., Reponen, E. J., Steen, N. E., ... & Aas, M. (2022). Childhood trauma is associated with poorer social functioning in severe mental disorders both during an active illness phase and in remission. Schizophrenia Research, 243, 241-246. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.schres.2020.03.015
13. Hülür, G., Elayoubi, J., Nelson, M. E., & Haley, W. E. (2022). Change in episodic memory with spousal loss: the role of social relationships. The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, 77(4), 683-694. doi: 10.1093/geronb/gbab231
14. Kaya-Demir, D., & Çırakoğlu, O. C. (2022). The role of sense of coherence and emotion regulation difficulties in the relationship between early maladaptive schemas and grief. Death studies, 46(6), 1372-1380. https://doi.org/10.1080/07481187.2021.1936295
15. Kiaos, T. (2024). Share his troubles: perceptions of men living with grief. Journal of Men's Health, 20(8), 97-108. https://doi.org/10.22514/jomh.2024.135
16. Kline, R. B. (2023). Principles and practice of structural equation modeling. Guilford publications. https://www.guilford.com/books/Principles-andPractice-of-Structural-Equation-Modeling/RexKline/9781462551910
17. Länsimies, H., Pietilä, A. M., Hietasola Husu, S., & Kangasniemi, M. (2017). A systematic review of adolescents’ sense of coherence and health. Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, 31(4), 651-661. https://doi.org/10.1111/scs.12402
18. Lecomte, T., Corbière, M., Ehmann, T., Addington, J., Abdel-Baki, A., & MacEwan, B. (2014). Development and preliminary validation of the First Episode Social Functioning Scale for early psychosis. Psychiatry research, 216(3), 412-417. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2014.01.044
19. Lee, C. N., Huang, Y. L., Chang, H. H., Kuo, C. Y., Lu, T. H., Hsieh, Y. T., ... & Tseng, H. H. (2022). Associations of emotion recognition, loneliness, and social functioning in euthymic patients with bipolar disorder. The Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Science https://doi.org/10.1002/kjm2.12539s, 38(7), 703-711.
20. Lenzo, V., & Quattropani, M. C. (2023). Psychological factors and prosociality as determinants in grief reactions: Proposals for an integrative perspective in palliative care. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1136301. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1136301
21. Leonardi, M., Fheodoroff, K. (2021). Goal Setting with ICF (International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health) and Multidisciplinary Team Approach in Stroke Rehabilitation. In: Platz, T. (eds) Clinical Pathways in Stroke Rehabilitation. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-58505-1_3
22. Lindahl, M., Juneja, H., Teljigovic, S., Rafn, J., & Nielsen, N. O. (2021). Change in sense of coherence and health-related quality of life after injury–a prospective cohort study. Disability and rehabilitation, 43(11), 1532-1541. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2019.1669224
23. Liu, C., Wang, Y., Li, J., Xing, X., Chen, X., Liu, J., & Wu, X. (2022). The development of social function questionnaire for Chinese older adults. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 794990. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.794990
24. Mahdavi, S., & Azadi, M. (2021). Standardization of the Young Early Maladaptive Schema Questionnaire among university students. Journal of Educational Measurement, 12(45), 137–166.https://doi.org/10.22054/jem.2022.58601.2142 (in persian).
25. Moss, N. E., & Moss-Racusin, L. (2021). Social-Emotional Functioning. In Practical Guide to Child and Adolescent Psychological Testing (pp. 109-121). Cham: Springer International Publishing. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-73515-9
26. Nikbakht, M., Serjouie, F., Kianimoghadam, A. S., & Farjampanah, Z. (2025). The Impact of Social-Related Factors on the Severity of Prolonged Grief Symptoms: A Machine Learning Approach. Applied Psychology for Health Promotion, 2(2). https://doi.org/10.5812/aphp-163387
27. Sağlam, T. (2025). Early maladaptive schemas, coping strategies, and functional impairments in individuals with adjustment disorder during compulsory military service: a comparison with healthy controls. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 16, 1619638.doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1619638
28. Sawma, T., & Sanjab, Y. (2022). The association between sense of coherence and quality of life: a cross-sectional study in a sample of patients on hemodialysis. BMC psychology, 10(1), 100. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-022-00805-9
29. Stein, J., Löbner, M., Pabst, A., König, H. H., & Riedel-Heller, S. G. (2020). Unmet care needs in the oldest old with social loss experiences: results of a representative survey. BMC geriatrics, 20, 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-020-01822-2
30. Thimm, J. C., & Chang, M. (2022). Early maladaptive schemas and mental disorders in adulthood: A systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Cognitive Therapy, 15(4), 371-413. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41811-022-00149-7
31. Thimm, J. C., & Holland, J. M. (2017). Early maladaptive schemas, meaning making, and complicated grief symptoms after bereavement. International Journal of Stress Management, 24(4), 347. https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1037/str0000042
32. Uvelli, A., Floridi, M., Agrusti, G., Franquillo, A. C., Fiumalbi, L., Micheloni, T., ... & Gragnani, A. (2025). When Adverse Experiences Influence the Interpretation of Ourselves, Others and the World: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Maladaptive Schemas in Victims of Violence. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 32(4), e70114.doi: 10.1002/cpp.70114
33. Vedder, A., Stroebe, M. S., Stokes, J. E., Schut, H. A. W., Schut, B., Boerner, K., & Boelen, P. A. (2024). Exploring loneliness across widowhood and other marital statuses: A systematic review integrating insights from grief research. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 41(12), 3741-3769. https://doi.org/10.1177/02654075241277229
34. Young, J. E. (1999). Cognitive therapy for personality disorders: A schema-focused approach. Professional Resource Press/Professional Resource Exchange.https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1999-02395-000
35. Neff, K. D. (2008). Self-compassion: Moving beyond the pitfalls of a separate self-concept. In H. A. Wayment & J. J. Bauer (Eds.), Transcending self-interest: Psychological explorations of the quiet ego (pp. 95–105). American Psychological Association. https://doi.org/10.1037/11771-009
36. Niemiec, C. P., Ryan, R. M., & Brown, K. W. (2008). The role of awareness and autonomy in quieting the ego: A self-determination theory perspective. https://doi.org/10.1037/11771-010
37. Ogrodniczuk, J. S., Piper, W. E., Joyce, A. S., Steinberg, P. I., & Duggal, S. (2009). Interpersonal problems associated with narcissism among psychiatric outpatients. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 43(9), 837-842. DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2008.12.005
38. Oz-Soysal, F. S., Bakalım, O., Tasdelen-Karckay, A., & Ogan, S. (2024). The association between autonomy need satisfaction and perceived romantic relationship quality: The mediating role of openness. Emerging Adulthood, 12(2), 187-200. https://doi.org/10.1177/21676968231220074
39. Park, C., & Harris, V. W. (2025). Associations Between Mindfulness and Conflict Resolution in Couple Relationships: Dyadic Data Analysis. The American Journal of Family Therapy, 1-23. https://doi.org/10.1080/01926187.2025.2469171
40. Peng, L., Chen, H., Liang, W., Shi, Z., & Li, Q. (2025). The impact of growth mindset on subjective well-being in elementary school students: A moderated mediation model. Frontiers in Psychology, 16, 1595422. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1595422
41. Rozyan, A., Namdarpour, F., & Javadzadeh Shahshahani, F. (2023). Examination of the causes of marital incompatibility in couple interactions: A qualitative study. Applied Family Therapy, 15(4), 1–18. https://civilica.com/doc/1645254
42. Rogawski, M., Simonsmeier, B. A., & Buecker, S. (2025). The Quiet Ego: A Meta-Analytical Review. Journal of Happiness Studies, 26(7), 112. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-025-00923-2
43. Rogawski, M., Simonsmeier, B. A., & Buecker, S. (2025). The Quiet Ego: A Meta-Analytical Review. Journal of Happiness Studies, 26(7), 112. DOI:10.31219/osf.io/fuhz9
44. Rusbult, C. E., & Van Lange, P. A. (2003). Interdependence, interaction, and relationships. Annual review of psychology, 54(1), 351-375. DOI: 10.1146/annurev.psych.54.101601.145059
45. Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American psychologist, 55(1). DOI: 10.1037//0003-066x.55.1.68
46. Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2008). Self-determination theory and the role of basic psychological needs in personality and the organization of behavior. Handbook of personality: Theory and research, 3, 654-678.
47. Rezaie, S., & Kakabaraee, K. (2022). Compilation of Spiritual Mindfulness Educational Package Based on Quranic Verses and Its Effectiveness on Regulation of Excitement and Tolerance of Disturbance of Women Suffering From Anxiety Attacks with Experience of Spontaneous Abortion. The Women and Families Cultural-Educational, 17(61), 123-154. (In persian). https://civilica.com/doc/1574227
48. Razi, H., Shariati, F., mashaee, N., & Aghamohammadian, H. (2022). Quranic Cognitive Training Strategies to Promote "Self-Compassion". Educational Doctrines in Quran and Hadith, 7(2), 41-59. (In persian). https://civilica.com/doc/1584229
49. Sadeghi, A., Goudarzi, M., & Karimisani, P. (2025). Design and validation of an online interventions protocol for post-divorce adjustment. Journal of Psychological Science. 23(143), 155-176. (In persian). doi:10.52547/JPS.23.142.2571
50. Salari Far, M. R., Yonesi, S. J., Sharifinia, M. H., & qarviRad, S. M. (2013). Principles and structure of "Islamic couple therapy". Studies in Islam and Psychology, 7(12), 37-68. (In persian). https://sid.ir/paper/217632/fa
51. Sarmadi, Y., & Khodabakhshi-Koolaee, A. (2023). Psychological and Social Consequences of Divorce Emphasis on Children Well-Being: A Systematic Review. Preventive Counseling, 4(2), 1-34. (In persian). 10.22098/jpc.2023.12578.1162
52. Savabi, M., Safarian Tosi, M., & Khouei Nejad, G. (2020). The effectiveness of spiritual therapy based on forgiveness and hope for increasing marital satisfaction and reducing couples' conflicts of couples on the verge of divorce. Journal of polician and social studies of women and family, 8(1 (14)), 5-23. (In persian). https://sid.ir/paper/363311/en
53. Shariyati, S., & Karimi, B., (2020). The Effect of Teaching Mindfulness Techniques on Happiness, Mental Well-being and Rumination of Single Girls. Applied family therapy, 1(1), 125-147. (In persian). https://sid.ir/paper/394540/en
54. Shafiei, Z., & Jazayeri, R. A. S. (2017). The effectiveness of spirituality training based on Islamic teachings on the flourishing of married women. The Women and Family Cultural Education, 11(37), 77–92. (In persian). https://sid.ir/paper/262290/en
55. Shahbazi, M., Koraei, A., & Kianijam, N. (2018). Marital standards and relationship attributions as predictors of women's marital adjustment and non-adjustment. Family Psychology, 4(2), 29–42. (In persian). https://sid.ir/paper/250022/en
56. Shoghi, B., Robatmili, S., & Nasrollahi, B. (2022). Effectiveness of wisdom training on psychological capital and spiritual health in second period high school students in Tehran city. Quarterly Educational Psychology, 18(64), 199–221. (In persian). https://sid.ir/paper/1139187/en
57. Spanier, G. B. (1976). Measuring dyadic adjustment: New scales for assessing the quality of marriage and similar dyads. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 15 -28. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.03.298
58. ValiPour Shikhi, Z., & Mirdrikvand, F. (2019). Examination of the effectiveness of emotion regulation training on increasing marital adjustment in couples experiencing marital conflict. Psychoneuro Nursing Journal, 7(1), 75–81. (In persian). https://sid.ir/paper/366800/fa
59. Wayment, H. A., Bauer, J. J., & Sylaska, K. (2015). The quiet ego scale: Measuring the compassionate self-identity. Journal of Happiness Studies, 16, 999-1033. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-014-9546-z
60. Wayment, H. A., & Bauer, J. J. (2017). The quiet ego: Concept, measurement, and well-being. The happy mind: Cognitive contributions to well-being, 77-94. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-58763-9_5
61. Wayment, H. A., & Bauer, J. J. (2018). The quiet ego: Motives for self-other balance and growth in relation to well-being. Journal of Happiness Studies, 19, 881-896. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-017-9848-z
62. Yousefi, N. (2021). The effectiveness of life skills training on marital satisfaction and optimism in couples. Family Psychology, 3(1), 59–70. (In persian). https://sid.ir/paper/250032/fa
Send email to the article author
| Rights and permissions | |
 |
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) License. |
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)