Rationale: Early maladaptive schemas (EMS) develop from unmet core emotional needs during childhood and adolescence. EMS influence the way individuals perceive themselves and others, while also sharing associations with various sexual difficulties. Contrastingly, Early Adaptive Schemas (EAS) develop when core emotional needs are met. Yet, the potential influence of EAS on sexual wellbeing remains underinvestigated.
Objective: The current study assessed the relationship between EAS and sexual satisfaction as a primary component of sexual wellbeing.
Method: The study design was an online, cross-sectional survey. Participants included 732 adults (Mage = 32.05, SDage = 9.30), who completed self-report questionnaires assessing sexual satisfaction and EAS.
Results: Two, three-step hierarchical regressions evaluated the effect of EAS on sexual satisfaction, controlling for several potentially confounding variables. Results indicated that the only EAS that was associated with sexual satisfaction in both men and women was Realistic Expectations. EAS of Social Belonging and Success were associated with sexual satisfaction for women alone, whereas Self-Compassion was for men.
Conclusion: Findings provide preliminary evidence that EAS are associated with sexual satisfaction. As such, schema therapy may be a useful therapeutic framework for improving sexual satisfaction, when indicated.
Keywords: Early adaptive schemas; early maladaptive schemas; sexual functioning; sexual satisfaction; sexual wellbeing.
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