Comparison of Early Maladaptive Schemas, Communication Patterns, and Cognitive Distortions in Couples with and Without Emotional Divorce

Abstract

Background: Emotional divorce is a major issue among couples, and several psychological factors may differ between affected and unaffected couples. Objectives: This study aimed to identify differences in early maladaptive schemas, communication patterns, and cognitive distortions between couples with and without emotional divorce in Mianeh City. Methods: This causal-comparative study included couples in Mianeh city with and without emotional divorce, as identified using the Gottman Emotional Divorce Scale. The statistical sample comprised 120 couples selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using the Young Early Maladaptive Schemas Questionnaire, the Communication Patterns Questionnaire, the Cognitive Distortions Questionnaire, and the Emotional Divorce Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of variance in SPSS version 24. Results: Several dimensions of early maladaptive schemas were higher among couples with emotional divorce. Communication skills were poorer among couples with emotional divorce than among those without emotional divorce. Couples with emotional divorce also reported higher unrealistic expectations and greater rejection in interpersonal relationships than those without emotional divorce. Conclusions: These findings indicate that couples experiencing emotional divorce exhibit more early maladaptive schemas, poorer communication patterns, and more cognitive distortions than couples not experiencing emotional divorce.