Perceived childhood relationships and their associations with assertiveness, trait anxiety, and early maladaptive schemas

Abstract Objective This study examined associations between perceived childhood relationships, assertiveness, trait anxiety, and early maladaptive schemas (EMS) in Greek adults. Background Early relationships with family and peers are central to adult emotional and social development. EMS are deep cognitive–emotional structures rooted in unmet emotional needs, linking childhood interactions to adult psychological functioning. Method A sample of 1,025 adults completed the Rathus Assertiveness Schedule, the trait anxiety subscale of the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Young Schema Questionnaire–Short Form 3. Participants retrospectively rated childhood family relationships and the number of close friendships. Associations among these variables were examined. Results Supportive childhood family relationships were associated with lower trait anxiety and fewer EMS. Having more childhood friendships was linked to higher assertiveness, lower anxiety, and reduced levels of specific EMS. Age correlated positively with assertiveness and negatively with trait anxiety and EMS. Men reported slightly higher assertiveness and endorsed EMS (e.g., abandonment/instability, social isolation/alienation) more than women, who reported higher self‐sacrifice. Conclusion The findings indicate a potential link between childhood social environments and long‐term psychological development. Implications Interventions could foster supportive family dynamics and early social skills; schema‐focused therapy and assertiveness training may help adults modify EMS rooted in early relational patterns.