Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate the role of early maladaptive schemas (EMS) in body image disturbance. This research is a descriptive-correlational study. The sample consisted of 334 students (159 boys and 175 girls) selected through a cluster sampling method among students attending universities in Arak. EMSs and body image disturbance were measured by the "Young Early Maladaptive Schemes Questionnaire" and "Body Image Concerns Inventory", respectively. The data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient and multivariate regression analysis. The results showed that there is a significant positive correlation between EMSs (other than the "Emotional Deprivation", "Abandonment/Instability", "Social Alienation/Rejection", and "Self-Sacrifice"), as well as all five basic schema domains, and body image disturbance. Regression analysis also showed that combining the two schemes of "Insufficient Self-Control/Self-Discipline" and "Vulnerability", 21%, and the schema domains of "Impaired Autonomy & Performance" and "Impaired Limits", 17% of variance of body image disturbance Explain and predict.