Identity and Early Maladaptive Schemas: A Network-Analytical Approach

"Who am I?" is a question all emerging adults face. Research shows that, while achieving identity synthesis is crucial for psychosocial well-being, many youngsters experience identity confusion, making them vulnerable to psychological distress. There is also growing interest in pathological identity problems, where individuals feel a complete "lack of identity." Understanding factors linked to identity issues is key to addressing related psychopathologies. This study, based on schema theory, investigated how identity synthesis, normative identity confusion and pathological identity confusion are related to Young's 18 early maladaptive schemas (EMS) in a sample of 711 emerging adults. Network analysis revealed that normative identity confusion was uniquely related to emotional inhibition and insufficient self-control, while pathological identity confusion was related to negativity, social isolation, emotional deprivation, and shame/defectiveness. Identity synthesis was not linked to any EMS. Results suggest EMS in the domain of disconnection and rejection are most consistently associated with identity problems, particularly pathological ones.