Investigating the Mediating Role of Maladaptive Schemas in the Relationship Between Complex Grief Symptoms and Attachment Styles in Medical Students.

Atarodi, Farnoosh; Kamal, Akram Sadat; Khorsandifard, Majid

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Investigating the Mediating Role of Maladaptive Schemas in the Relationship Between Complex Grief Symptoms and Attachment Styles in Medical Students.

Farnoosh Atarodi

, Akram Sadat Kamal ^*

, Majid Khorsandifard

Faculty of Medicine, Branch of Birjand, Islamic Azad University, Birjand, Iran , askamal2000@gmail.com

Abstract: (614 Views)

This study aimed to examine the mediating role of maladaptive schemas in the relationship between attachment styles and complicated grief symptoms in medical students. This descriptive-correlational study was conducted on 350 medical students from Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. Research instruments included the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI), Young Schema Questionnaire-Short Form (YSQ-SF), and Inventory of Complicated Grief (ICG). Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient and structural equation modeling. Results showed that secure attachment style had a significant negative relationship with complicated grief symptoms (r=-0.42, p<0.01), while insecure attachment styles (avoidant and anxious) had significant positive relationships with complicated grief symptoms (r=0.38 and r=0.45, p<0.01). Maladaptive schemas and all their domains showed significant positive correlations with complicated grief symptoms (r=0.52 to r=0.61, p<0.01). Structural equation modeling results confirmed that maladaptive schemas have a complete and significant mediating role in the relationship between attachment styles and complicated grief symptoms. Model fit indices were acceptable (CFI=0.95, RMSEA=0.06). Maladaptive schemas act as an important mediating mechanism in the relationship between attachment styles and complicated grief. These findings highlight the importance of considering maladaptive schemas in prevention and treatment programs for complicated grief in medical students.

Keywords: Complicated grief, attachment styles, maladaptive schemas, medical students, mediating role

Type of Study: Research | Subject: General
Received: 2025/11/25 | Revised: 2026/06/16 | Accepted: 2026/01/18 | Published: 2026/03/15

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