Relation between autobiographical memory, attachment and early maladaptive schemas

Abstract

The aim of this research was to study the relation among autobiographical memories, attachment and early maladaptive schemas. A battery of clinical instruments and an Autobiographical Memory Task were used. The sample consisted of 111 participants between 18 and 68 years old (M = 27.98, SD = 11.91). The results indicate significant relations between attachment and schemas, which appear to be factors that indicate a greater vulnerability for the development of psychopathologies, such as depression. The results emphasize the importance of the relation between attachment and early maladaptive schemas in information processing, particularly regarding the prevention of and intervention in depression.