Examining the Relationship between Early Maladaptive Schemas and God Image in Shiraz University Students

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between early maladaptive schemas and God image. To do so, 125 students of Shiraz University were selected using multi-stage cluster sampling. The instruments used in this study consisted of the Young Early Maladaptive Schema Questionnaire —Short Form (SQ-SF) and Lawrence’s God Image Scale (GIS) (Lawrence, 1997; Sadeghi, 1384).Results showed that there was no significant relationship between early maladaptive schemas and image of God. Despite the lack of significant correlation between total scores of maladaptive schemas and image of God, there was a negative and significant relationship between social isolation, compliance and strict standards schemas with God image. Other maladaptive schemas did not show significant relationship with God image. These results indicate that those who think God is very controlling have negative emotional responses to God. That is, someone who feels that they are powerless and dependent and nothing is under their control shapes a negative image of God.