Early Maladaptive Schemas and Dimensions of Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms in Adolescents: The Moderating Role of Gender

Obsessional symptoms, as a major concern in adolescent mental health, are influenced by early maladaptive schemas. However, the distinction in this mechanism between boys and girls has not been clearly defined. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the connection between early maladaptive schemas and dimensions of obsessive-compulsive symptoms in adolescents, considering the moderating effect of gender.

Based on a correlational design, 300 men and women students studying in Isfahan City in 2022-2023 were selected using random cluster sampling. They were administered the Young Schema Questionnaire-Short Form and the Maudsley Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory. Data analysis was conducted using Pearson's correlation, Fisher's Z, and multiple regression statistical tests with SPSS-26 software.

The results of the correlation test showed that there is a relationship between the early maladaptive schemas and the dimensions of obsessive symptoms in adolescents. Additionally, the results of Fisher's Z test indicated that gender can moderate the relationship between the early maladaptive schemas and dimensions of obsessive symptoms. The results of the regression analysis also revealed that the early maladaptive schemas play a more significant role in explaining the overall obsession score of boys adolescents compared to girls adolescents. Moreover, the vulnerability schema in boys adolescents emerged as the most reliable predictor of the total obsession score, whereas in girls adolescents, the dependency schemas domain was the key predictor.

In general, the results of this research not only support the role of schemas in obsessive-compulsive symptoms among adolescents but also demonstrate the moderating influence of gender on the relationship between early maladaptive schemas and the dimensions of adolescent obsessive-compulsive symptoms. These findings can assist therapists specializing in obsession treatment by tailoring treatment approaches to address specific dimensions of obsessions and compulsions in girls and boys, thereby enhancing therapeutic outcomes.