A preliminary study of the early maladaptive schemas of intimate partner violence perpetrators in prison

Purpose Early maladaptive schemas (EMS) have been linked to a wide variety of behaviours, including aggression and violence. Studies show that different types of offences display different profiles of EMS. There is insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between EMS and intimate partner violence (IPV), particularly in forensic samples. The purpose of this study is to identify the EMS of convicted offenders reporting IPV perpetration. Design/methodology/approach Fifty offenders completed questionnaires measuring EMS and IPV perpetration and information was gathered from prison records to determine offence histories. The offenders were split into two groups based on self-reported IPV perpetration and the EMS of each group was compared using Mann–Whitney tests. Findings The schemas of emotional deprivation and defectiveness, from the disconnection/rejection domain, were found to be endorsed more highly by offenders reporting higher levels of IPV perpetration than those who report lower levels. Research limitations/implications Differences in EMS between perpetrators of higher and lower levels of IPV are evidenced in the current findings; however, future research should aim to identify the schema modes activated in IPV perpetrators, which are targeted in schema therapy. Originality/value This study contributes findings from a forensic sample, which has previously been under-researched on this topic.