A Causal Model of Suicidal Tendency Emphasizing the Role of Early Maladaptive Schemas in the Domain of Disconnection and Rejection: The Mediating Role of Emotional Processing among Students

Abstract

This study aimed to develop and test a causal model of suicidal tendency emphasizing the role of early maladaptive schemas in the disconnection and rejection domain, with emotional processing as a mediating variable among students of Islamic Azad University, Shiraz. The research employed a descriptive-correlational design using path analysis. The statistical population included all undergraduate and graduate students at Islamic Azad University, Shiraz Branch, during the 2024–2025 academic year. Using a convenience sampling method, 240 students participated. Data were collected via the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (1979), the Young Schema Questionnaire–Short Form (2005) focusing on the disconnection and rejection domain, and Baker et al.’s (2007) Emotional Processing Scale. Data were analyzed through Pearson correlations, regression, and path analysis using SPSS-26 and AMOS. Findings revealed a significant positive relationship between early maladaptive schemas in the disconnection and rejection domain and suicidal tendency (p<0.01), while emotional processing showed a significant negative relationship with suicidal tendency (p<0.01). Model fit indices confirmed satisfactory fit (CFI=0.907, RMSEA=0.069). Bootstrap analysis indicated that emotional processing significantly mediated the relationship between maladaptive schemas and suicidal tendency (p<0.05). The results confirmed that poor emotional processing amplifies the effect of early maladaptive schemas on suicidal tendency. Enhancing emotional processing skills may therefore serve as an effective strategy for reducing suicidal tendencies and improving mental health among university students.