Relationship between Suicidal Behavior and Maladaptive Schema among Young Adults
Susmita Halder, Hriti SensarmaAbstract
Background:
Suicidal behavior has become a major public health concern, particularly among young adults, as they face various social, developmental, and emotional challenges. The aim of the present study is to determine the relationship between suicidal behavior and maladaptive schema among young adults and also to identify the specific schema domains which are closely associated with suicidal behavior among young adults.
Materials and Methods:
A quantitative research design was employed, and using the purposive sampling technique, 60 data points were collected from young adults using the Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised and Young Schema Questionnaire-Short Form 3. For statistical analysis, descriptive statistics and Pearson’s Product-Moment Correlation were used.
Results:
The findings revealed that there was a positive correlation between suicidal behavior and maladaptive schema among young adults. Among the schema domains, disconnection and rejection and impaired autonomy and performance showed the strongest correlation. In contrast, other-directiveness showed moderate correlation and overvigilance and inhibition and impaired limits showed weaker, but positive correlation with suicidal behavior. These findings may suggest that maladaptive schemas such as rejection, isolation, and dependence may represent more cognitive vulnerabilities associated with suicidal behavior among young adults.
Conclusion:
The study highlights the importance of identifying maladaptive schemas during psychological assessment and supports the potential value of schema-focused interventions in reducing suicidal risk and promoting mental well-being among young adults.