Investigation of the relationship between early maladaptive schemas, temperament and eating attitude in adults

Abstract

Plain English Summary This study examined the relationship between early maladaptive schemas, temperament, eating attitude and the effect of gender variable on these concepts in adults. Early maladaptive schemas are basic mental constructs that occur as a result of negative experiences early in life. Temperament is a long-term, often life-long structural traits that change little throughout an individual’s life. Eating attitude is the tendency that creates an individual’s feelings, thoughts and behaviors related to eating and nutrition. Disruptions in eating attitudes can lead to eating disorders. Results revealed a relationship between Defectiveness, Emotional Inhibition, Enmeshment/Dependence, Failure, Abandonment, Vulnerability to Harm or Illness, Negativity/Pessimism schemas and eating attitude. Among schemas, Defectiveness was found to be the best predictor of deterioration in eating attitude. Among temperaments, Anxious temperament was found to be the best predictor of deterioration in eating attitude. Additionally, a relationship was found between early maladaptive schemas and temperament types. This relationship sheds light on the relationship between the development and treatment of eating disorders.

Keywords

• Early maladaptive schemas
• Temperament
• Eating attitude