There is a plethora of research which suggests a significant relationship between Early Maladaptive Schemas (EMS’s) and the development of mental health disorders. The literature suggests EMSs are associated with the development of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). However, few cross-sectional studies have examined correlations between specific EMS’s and obsessive-compulsive disorder; and to the authors knowledge, only one previous study has examined the relationship between specific EMS’s and specific obsessive-compulsive disorder subtypes. The current research aimed to address knowledge gaps by exploring whether there is a relationship between specific EMS’s and obsessive-compulsive disorder, and specific EMS’s and obsessive-compulsive disorder subtypes.

A quantitative cross-sectional survey was used for data collection so that the relationship between EMS’s and OCD, and OCD subtypes could be explored. The data from 103 participants (78% female, 17% male) between the ages of 18 and 69 was examined. The variables that were analysed were the EMS’s: mistrust/abuse, emotional deprivation, defectiveness/shame, social isolation, failure, and vulnerability to harm; and OCD across the subtypes: hoarding, checking, neutralising, ordering, washing, and obsessing.

Multiple linear regressions demonstrated a statistically significant relationship between EMS’s and obsessive-compulsive disorder. However, only the schema, “vulnerability to harm” significantly predicted OCD. Furthermore, a significant relationship between specific EMS’s and OCD subtypes was found. Specifically, it was found that the schema, “vulnerability to harm” was significantly associated with the OCD subtypes; hoarding, checking, ordering, neutralising, washing, and obsessing. Furthermore, it was found that the OCD subtype, obsessing, was significantly predicted by the schema, “social isolation”; and the OCD subtype, ordering, was significantly predicted by the schema, “mistrust/abuse”.

The current study has provided evidence that there is a significant relationship between EMS’s and i) obsessive-compulsive disorder, and ii) obsessive-compulsive disorder subtypes. These findings could influence clinical practice, specifically prevention initiatives, and could be implemented in the diagnosis, formulation, and treatment of OCD.