Loneliness and early maladaptive schemas in farhangian university students

Loneliness is a widespread phenomenon that all individuals experience in a period of their life and a serious risk factor to physical and mental health. This feeling is influenced by various factors, including cognitions and schemas. The present descriptive-correlational study, examines the role of early maladaptive schemas in loneliness in students of Farhangian University. The research sample consisted of 334 students (175 girls and 159 boys) selected through random sampling among students of Farhangian University in Arak. The research instrument consisted of Young's Early Maladaptive Scale (short form) and UCLA Loneliness Scale. Data were analyzed using correlation coefficient and regression analysis. Results showed that there is a positive relationship between loneliness and schema domains as well as all the early maladaptive schemas, with the exception of the "Abandonment/Instability" and "Self-Sacrifice" schemes. Regression analysis also showed, the domain of "Disconnection and Rejection" alone, %37 percent, of the variance of loneliness is predicted. The combination of three maladaptive schemas "Social Isolation/Alienation "," Emotional Deprivation "and" Vulnerability "in total %53.8 of the variance of loneliness are predicted. Overall, the results showed that the loneliness is in the relationship with and under the strong influence of early maladaptive schemas, especially the schema domain of "Disconnection and Rejection.