Correlation of Early Maladaptive Schemas and Psychological Capital, Basic Needs and Social and Emotional Loneliness in People Attempting Suicide in Zanjan City

Today, psychologists and researchers pay attention to the early maladaptive schemas, lack of psychological capital, basic needs that are not properly satisfied, and the feeling of social and emotional loneliness as factors for the occurrence of suicidal thoughts and attempts. Therefore, the aim of this research is the correlation of early maladaptive schemas, psychological capital, basic needs and social and emotional loneliness in people attempting suicide in Zanjan city.

The study was descriptive-correlation. The statistical population of the research was made up of all the suicide attempters who visited Educational and Treatment of Valiasr in Zanjan city during the 4 months (May to August 2022) when the research was conducted. A statistical sample of 132 people was selected based on Morgan's table and among the available statistical population through non-random sampling. Data collection was implemented with demographic questionnaire, "Young Schema Questionnaire-Short Form", "Psychological Capital Questionnaire", "Basic Needs Questionnaire" and " Social and Emotional Loneliness Questionnaire for Adults-Short Version). Content validity was measured qualitatively and reliability was measured by internal consistency by calculating the Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the instruments. Data analysis was done using SPSS .24.

There is a significant negative correlation between early maladaptive schemas and psychological capital (P≤0.01) and a significant positive correlation with social and emotional loneliness (P≤0.01). Also, early maladaptive schemas have a significant negative correlation with basic needs (P≤0.05).

The early maladaptive schemas and the feeling of social and emotional loneliness were higher than the average level in people attempting suicide. Also, a strong and significant negative correlation was observed between the early maladaptive schemas with basic needs and psychological capitals. It is suggested that trainings to recognize schemas and psychological capitals using schema therapy protocols, which is a step towards reducing the early maladaptive schemas and strengthening psychological capitals, should be considered by mental health professionals.