Early adaptive schemas and parental acceptance of sexual orientation in gay men

Introduction: Gay men face persistent discrimination and social stressors, including limited parental acceptance of their sexual orientation, contributing to higher rates of emotional distress and mental health challenges compared to straight men. While one study has examined early maladaptive schemas in this population, Early Adaptive Schemas (EAS) – cognitive-emotional patterns associated with mental well-being – remain unexplored. This study investigated EAS prevalence in gay versus straight men and examined associations between parental acceptance and EAS development in gay men. Methods: A cross-sectional study recruited 122 participants (51 gay, 71 straight) between November 2024 and June 2025. We measured 14 distinct EAS using the Young Positive Schema Questionnaire. Parental acceptance was assessed using the Perceived Parental Reactions Scale.Results: Gay men showed significantly lower overall EAS scores compared to straight men. Exploratory analyses revealed gay men scored lower on Basic Health and Safety/Optimism and Stable Attachment schemas, with a potential difference in Healthy Self-Reliance/Competence. Parental acceptance was not significantly associated with overall EAS scores among gay men, though a potential relationship emerged with Emotional Fulfillment without multiple comparisons correction.Conclusions: Gay men demonstrated specific vulnerabilities in specific schemas, while maintaining comparable levels in most domains. These findings suggest minority stress may operate through targeted rather than global mechanisms. Parental acceptance may foster resilience through specific adaptive schemas.Policy Implications: Results support strength-based therapeutic approaches for gay men, with interventions potentially targeting specific schemas like Basic Health and Safety/Optimism and Stable Attachment to enhance resilience against minority stress experiences.