Early Maladaptive Schemas and Relational Aggression: A Network Analysis

Relational aggression is a form of aggression aimed at undermining others’ social relationships, and it is particularly prevalent among individuals with distorted cognitive schemas of themselves and others. Early maladaptive schemas (EMSs) are defined as persistent dysfunctional patterns of memories, emotions, and cognitions, and have been evidenced as important risk factors for different domains of interpersonal problems. However, they were not tested comprehensively against relational aggression in adults. In the present study, we used network analysis to investigate the complex associations between EMSs, proactive, and reactive relational aggression. Three hundred seventy-six individuals reported on their EMS and relational aggression. Network analysis showed that proactive relational aggression was higher among individuals scoring high on Entitlement EMS scale. However, individuals that scored high on Mistrust and Admiration/recognition-seeking EMSs scales reported higher tendency to reactive relational aggression. Activation of Negativity/Pessimism which was the most central symptom in networks, could result in increased activation of other EMSs which indirectly may lead to relationally aggressive behavior. Depending on the function of relational aggressive behavior in a patient, the psychotherapist could target particular EMS risk factor (e.g., Mistrust EMS in individuals scoring high on reactive relational aggression scale, whereas Entitlement EMS in individuals that score high on proactive relational aggression scale).