Investigating the relationship between early maladaptive schemas and symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder mediated by self-compassion

Body dysmorphic has high prevalence rate and can lead to impaired daily functioning. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between primary maladaptive schemas and symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder mediated by self-compassion.

The research method was correlational  study using structural equation analysis. The population of the study consisted of single students aged 18-35 years of Tehran universities in the academic year of 2021-2022, of which 622 were selected (Online response) by Convenience sampling.The research instrument included: dysmorphic concern questionnaireof Oosthuizen et al. (1998), Young Schema Questionnaire Short Form (1994) and short form of the self‐compassion scale of Raes et al. (2011). For data analysis, structural equation method and SPSS software version 25 and AMOS version 24 were used.

The results showed that the direct and indirect effects (mediated by self-compassion) of the schemas of »self-determination and disrupted performance« on symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder was significant respectively, as standardized effects, 0.26 (P <0.05) and 0.14 (P = 0.01). Also, the indirect effect of schemas in the field of »cut and rejection« and »disrupted limitations« mediated by self-compassion symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder was significant respectively as standardized effects, 0.05 (P = 0.05) and 0. 17 (P <0.01). Finally, the results showed that the schemas of »other oriented« and »Excessive tinnitus and inhibition« have a direct and indirect effect on symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder (P > 0.05).

Considering self-compassion as a mediator between early maladaptive schema and and symptoms of body dysmorphic can help explain body dysmorphic disorder.