Mixed-Method Examination of Early Maladaptive Schemas and Coping Among Children at a Child Advocacy Center

Objective: The present study examined: (1) the presence of early maladaptive schemas and coping responses in children who have experienced maltreatment, (2) the relationship between early maladaptive schemas and coping responses, and (3) how qualitative findings compare to previous theoretical structures in quantitative studies. Method: There were 100 participants (Mage = 10.72 years, SD = 3.35; 64 girls, 30 boys, 6 transgender/nonbinary), with 70% identifying as White. Data were collected in collaboration with a community child advocacy center through forensic interviews in cases of reported child abuse. Early maladaptive schemas were assessed using an adapted version of Dusseldorf Illustrated Schema Questionnaire for Children. Coping responses were assessed using the COPE Inventory. Information about individual and abuse factors were gathered from case reports. Child advocacy center staff completed the measures based on information obtained during forensic interviews. Results: All assessed early maladaptive schemas were endorsed in this sample; children reported an ability to adapt through the use of socially-supported and self-sufficient coping responses. Hierarchical cluster analysis examining word similarity within coded texts demonstrated that subjugation and self-sacrifice were most strongly related. Conclusion: This mixed-method study integrating children’s voices contributes a new perspective on early maladaptive schemas and coping responses that can provide education to multidisciplinary teams involved in forensic interviews. However, limits to generalizability must be considered given that the sample was derived from one region in the U.S. Midwest.