The relationship between early maladaptive schemas and illness anxiety: The mediating role of experiential avoidance

The purpose of this study was to investigate the mediating role of experiential avoidance in relationship of early maladaptive schemas with illness anxiety.  The research was carried out using correlation method on 308 students of Qazvin University who were selected with convenience sampling method. Data were collected using Early maladaptive Scheme (Young), hypochondrias (Evans) and Acceptance and Action Questionnaires (Hayes). Results showed a significant role of schemas of impaired autonomy - performance and impaired limits domains in illness anxiety. Also, the role of vulnerability to harm or illness and entitlement/undeveloped schemas was significant predictor of illness anxiety. The results of hierarchical regression showed that the mediating role of experiential avoidance in the relationship between vulnerability to harm or illness and entitlement/ undeveloped schemas with illness anxiety severity was significant. It could be concluded the experiential avoidance and early maladaptive schemas were contributed in the maintenance of illness anxiety.