Investigation of the relationship between early maladaptive schemas and defense mechanisms in the terms of childhood traumas

Objective: The aim of this study is to examine the relationships between defence mechanisms and early maladaptive schemas in terms of childhood traumas. Methods: 500 people, including 308 women and 192 male students from various universities in Istanbul, participated in the study. Demographic Data Form, Defense Style Test, Young Schema Scale Short Form-3 and Childhood Trauma Questionnaire were applied to participants. Results: As a result significant relations were found between the defense mechanisms, early maladaptive schemas and childhood traumas. The effect of presence or absence of trauma experience has a statistically significant effect on development of defense mechanisms and early maladaptive schemas. Discussion: For psychotherapy of childhood trauma, studying of defense mechanisms and early maladaptive schemes will be useful.