Evaluation of early maladaptive schemas of individuals attempting suicide by self-poisoning

According to Beck''s cognitive model، the experiences of the people result in development of assumptions or schemas about the self and the world. These assumptions contribute to the organization of perception and control and appraisal of behavior. Some of these assumptions are rigid and resistant to change and therefore are dysfunctional. The purpose of this study was to determine the schemas of individuals attempting suicide by self-poisoning according to Beck''s cognitive model and determine their relationship to suicide. This was a case–control study. Our case group (n=204) included the patients admitted to Tohid Hospital due to suicide attempt. Control group consisted of healthy individuals (n=204) who had been matched with case groups. The participants completed Young Schema Questionnaire and Beck Depression Inventory. Collected data were analyzed by means of logistic regression model and correlation test. Results showed that enmeshment/undeveloped self-unrelenting standards/ hypercritical schemas can be risk factors for suicide attempts. Depression had correlation with emotional deprivation، abandonment/instability، social isolation/alienation، and self-sacrifice schemas. In non-depressed participants، undeveloped self and emotional deprivation schemas were associated with suicide attempt. In general، undeveloped self-schema might contribute to suicidal behavior independently. Emotional deprivation both directly and indirectly (by inducing depression) could precipitate suicidal behavior.