Examining the Relationship Between Early Maladaptive Schemas and Obsessive–Compulsive Symptoms with the Mediating Role of Emotion Regulation in Women Seeking Cosmetic Surgery

Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between early maladaptive schemas and obsessive–compulsive symptoms with the mediating role of emotional self‑regulation in women seeking cosmetic surgery. The study employed a descriptive–correlational design using structural equation modeling (SEM). The statistical population consisted of all women seeking cosmetic surgery who referred to Imam Khomeini and Mofarah hospitals in Tehran during 2025–2026. A sample was selected using a convenience sampling method. Data were collected usingtheYoungSchemaQuestionnaire(YSQ‑LF),theObsessive–Compulsive Inventory‑Revised (OCI‑R), and the Self‑Regulation Questionnaire developed by Miller and Brown. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and structural equation modeling with AMOS software. The results indicated that the proposed model had an acceptable fit with the data. Early maladaptive schemas showed a significant direct effect on obsessive–compulsive symptoms and were negatively associated with emotional self‑regulation. Furthermore, emotional self‑regulation was negatively and significantly related to obsessive–compulsive symptoms and played a significant mediating role in the relationship between early maladaptive schemas and obsessive–compulsive symptoms. Overall, the findings suggest that the activation of early maladaptive schemas and deficits in emotional self‑regulation processes may contribute to the development and maintenance of obsessive–compulsive symptoms in women seeking cosmetic surgery. Therefore, psychological assessment and interventions focusing on schema therapy and emotion regulation training prior to cosmetic surgery may help reduce psychological difficulties in this population.