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Experiences of developmental unpredictability and harshness predict adult cognition: An examination of maladaptive schemas, positive schemas, and cognitive distortions

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Abstract

Cognitive models of psychopathology propose that early developmental environments give rise to cognitive schemas and distortions, which color our interpretations of the world. Evolutionary theorizing suggests that developmental environments have far-reaching consequences for behavior. Accordingly, we examined associations between self-reportedunpredictable and harsh early developmental environments, positive and maladaptive schemas, and cognitive distortions (n = 257). Results indicated thatunpredictable and harsh childhood environments were associated with greater maladaptive schemas and cognitive distortions, and fewer positive schemas. Path analyses suggested that a model of unpredictable and harsh environments leading to maladaptive schemas and cognitive distortions had excellent statistical fit. Taken together, these results suggest early developmental environments have important influence on adult cognition. These results are the first to demonstrate that childhood unpredictability is associated with cognitive schemas and distortions. Our findings have direct implications for understanding schema development and may have consequences for schema therapy.

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Data Availability

The dataset generated and analysed during the current study are not publicly available due to limitations of the informed consent obtained in the study, but they are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request. The syntax developed for analyses are also available from the corresponding author.

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Acknowledgements

This research was directly supported by a Master’s Graduate Scholarship from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada to A.W. This research was also directly supported by an Insight Development Grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada to S.M. The funding source had no influence or involvement in any aspects of the research.

Funding

This research was directly supported by a Master’s Graduate Scholarship from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada to A.W. This research was also directly supported by an Insight Development Grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada to S. M.

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Wuth, A., Mishra, S., Beshai, S. et al. Experiences of developmental unpredictability and harshness predict adult cognition: An examination of maladaptive schemas, positive schemas, and cognitive distortions. Curr Psychol 41, 7155–7165 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-020-01274-2

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