Predicting Emotional Maturity based on Early Maladaptive Schemas in College Students: the Mediating Role of Empathy

Human emotions and feelings play a significant role in mental health. In this regard, emotional maturity is a skill that manages emotions in response to environmental demands. The present study aimed to predict emotional maturity based on early maladaptive schemas mediated by empathy in college students.

The research method was descriptive and correlational. The study population consists of Ferdowsi University students enrolled in the academic year 2022-2023. Among them, 353 individuals were selected through convenience sampling. Singh and Bhargava Emotional Maturity Scale (1990), Young Schema Questionnaire (1998), and Mehrabian and Epstein Balanced Emotional Empathy Scale (1972) were used for data collection. Structural equation modeling was employed to examine the mediating role of variable.

The Pearson correlation coefficient indicated a significant negative correlation between early maladaptive schemas and emotional maturity and empathy. Additionally, emotional maturity had a significant positive correlation with empathy. The results of the structural equation model revealed that the relationship between early maladaptive schemas and emotional maturity is directly established and empathy cannot mediate this relationship.

Given the results of this study, the impact of early maladaptive schemas on emotional maturity can be of increased concern.