Prediction of suicidal thoughts based on early maladaptive schemas mediated by difficulty in emotion regulation in adolescents with working mothers

Heydari, Samira; Akbari, Azar

doi:10.22111/ijop.2026.55121.1076

Prediction of suicidal thoughts based on early maladaptive schemas mediated by difficulty in emotion regulation in adolescents with working mothers

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Samira Heydari ¹
Azar Akbari ²

¹ Master of Science in Clinical Psychology, Department of Psychology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

² PhD in General Psychology, Department of Psychology, Rudehen Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rudehen, Iran.

10.22111/ijop.2026.55121.1076

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to examine the prediction of suicidal ideation based on early maladaptive schemas, with emotion regulation difficulties serving as a mediating variable, among adolescents with working mothers. This study was applied in purpose and correlational in design. The statistical population comprised all adolescents aged 15 to 18 years with working mothers in Tehran during the fall of 2024, from which 248 participants were selected through convenience sampling. The measurement instruments included the Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire developed by Beck et al. (1979), the short form of Young’s Schema Questionnaire (1998), and the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale by Gratz and Roemer (2004). Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The results indicated that suicidal ideation in adolescents was significantly predicted by early maladaptive schemas (P=0.001, β=0.400). Emotion regulation difficulties also significantly predicted suicidal ideation (P=0.001, β=0.449). Moreover, early maladaptive schemas predicted suicidal ideation indirectly through emotion regulation difficulties (P=0.001, β=0.152). Overall, the findings suggest that early maladaptive schemas, both directly and indirectly via impaired emotion regulation, contribute to increased risk for suicidal ideation.

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