Relationship of Early Maladaptive Schemas with Anxiety and Depression Co Morbidity: Mediating Role of Metacognitive Beliefs and Anxiety Sensitivity

The aim of the present study was to examine the mediating role of met a cognitive beliefs and anxiety sensitivity in the relationship between early maladaptive schemas with anxiety and depression co morbidity in a correlational design. A total of 229 volunteers (121 men, 108 women) from Tehran general population participated in this study. All participants were asked to complete Young Schema Questionnaire-Short Form (YSQ-SF), Metacognitive Questionnaire (MCQ), Anxiety Sensitivity Inventory (ASI), and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS). The results of correlation analysis showed a significant positive correlation among early maladaptive schemas, metacognitive beliefs and anxiety sensitivity with anxiety and depression co morbidity. The results of path analysis also revealed that both metacognitive beliefs and anxiety sensitivity mediated the correlation of early maladaptive schemas with anxiety and depression co morbidity. Based on the results of the present study, it can be concluded that attention must be paid to the role of anxiety and depression co morbidity as well as early maladaptive schemas to the development, perpetuation, and treatment of anxiety/ depressive disorders.