Early Maladaptive Schemas and Coping Strategies in Abused Women Seeking Divorce

Coping strategies can lead to a reduction in suffering caused by stressful situations due to the role of initial maladaptive schemas. Therefore, the study of these factors can be effective in investigating the causes of divorce. The present study aimed to investigate the mentioned components in women seeking divorce due to spousal abuse and other women seeking divorce referred to forensic medicine in Ardabil province. The research method used was descriptive causal-comparative. The Young and Brown maladaptive schema questionnaire and the Lazarus and Folkman coping strategies were completed by 100 selected women (50 women seeking divorce due to spousal abuse and 50 women seeking divorce) using purposive sampling. Analysis of variance was used to analyze the data. The results showed that the initial maladaptive schemas of abused women from their husbands were significantly different from other women seeking divorce. Abused women had more maladaptive schemas than women seeking divorce for other reasons. Additionally, coping strategies of abused women from their husbands were significantly different from other women seeking divorce, with other causes being more common. According to the findings, the initial maladaptive schemas were higher among women seeking divorce due to spousal abuse than among other women seeking divorce. However, this study had limitations, including the lack of cooperation from Ardabil forensic clients. To reduce divorce rates, we suggest that skills and training programs related to increasing couples' adaptation practices in cohabitation be taught.