Mental Health
Early Maladaptive Schemas and Online Pornography Use: A Cross-Sectional Study.
Open Access: Yes.
Abstract
Several studies have explored the relationship between early maladaptive schemas and mental health difficulties, including behavioural addictions. However, no empirical studies have examined the relationship between early maladaptive schemas (EMSs) and problematic pornography use (PPU). Therefore, the present study examined the association between EMSs and online pornography use, as well as investigated the difference between problematic and non-problematic pornography users. A sample of 969 adults completed the Young Schema Questionnaire–Short Version and the Problematic Pornography Consumption Scale (PPCS). The findings indicated that the strongest correlated EMSs with PPU were (i) Emotional Deprivation, (ii) Abandonment, (iii) Mistrust and Abuse, (iv) Social Isolation, (v) Defectiveness and Shame, (vi) Self-Sacrifice, (vii) Unrelenting Standards, (viii) Entitlement, and (ix) Insufficient Self-Control. All schema domains were positively correlated with PPCS scores, with the schema domains Disconnection and Rejection, Impaired Limits, and Overvigilance and Inhibition showing the strongest correlations. Results indicated that EMSs explained approximately 26% of the variance in PPU among all participants. Disconnection and Rejection, Overvigilance and Inhibition, and Other Directedness were the strongest schema domain predictors, accounting for 15% of the variance in PPU. The present study provides novel insight and clinical implications for future clinical practice, with the aim of minimising or buffering the impact of EMSs and reducing subsequent PPU.
Relevance
Early maladaptive schemas (EMSs) are defined in the literature as “extremely stable and enduring themes, comprised of memories, emotions, cognitions, and bodily sensations regarding oneself and one’s relationship with others, that develop during childhood and are elaborated on throughout the individual’s lifetime, and that are dysfunctional to a significant degree.” Prior research has documented “a positive relationship between EMSs and a wide range of behavioural addictions.”
This study of 1000 adults found the “strongest” EMSs correlated with problematic pornography use (PPU) were “(i) Emotional Deprivation, (ii) Abandonment, (iii) Mistrust and Abuse, (iv) Social Isolation, (v) Defectiveness and Shame, (vi) Self-Sacrifice, (vii) Unrelenting Standards, (viii) Entitlement, and (ix) Insufficient Self-Control.” Additionally, “All schema domains were positively correlated with PPCS [problematic pornography consumption scale] scores, with the schema domains Disconnection and Rejection, Impaired Limits, and Overvigilance and Inhibition showing the strongest correlations.”
“More specifically, the findings highlighted that Emotional Deprivation, Abandonment, Mistrust and Abuse, Social Isolation, Defectiveness and Shame, Vulnerability to Harm, and Emotional Inhibition were significant predictors of PPU. Standard stepwise regression analysis showed that Abandonment, Emotional Inhibition, Vulnerability to Harm, Defectiveness and Shame, Social Isolation, Mistrust and Abuse, Self-Sacrifice, and Emotional Deprivation were the strongest EMSs, accounting for a substantial proportion of the variance (25%) in PPU, with the Abandonment schema alone accounting for 16% of the variance in PPU. Regarding the schema domains, the model identified Disconnection and Rejection, Overvigilance and Inhibition, and Other Directedness as the strongest schema domains, accounting for 15% of the variance in PPU. The Disconnection and Rejection schema domain alone accounted for 13% of the variance in PPU.”
“EMSs, particularly those in the Disconnection and Rejection domain, were identified as a strong predictor of PPU, which may help those in clinical practice to minimise or buffer the impact of EMSs and reduce subsequent PPU among their clients. The results provide additional evidence that there is a relationship between EMSs and compulsive sexual behaviours, particularly PPU. These findings can assist clinicians to better understand the cognitive vulnerabilities towards PPU and to devise treatment and intervention protocols to target these specific maladaptive schemas.”
Citation
Vieira, C., Kuss, D.J. & Griffiths, M.D. (20205). Early Maladaptive Schemas and Online Pornography Use: A Cross-Sectional Study. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-025-01463-9
