Early Maladaptive Schemas and Risky Sexual Behavior

Andrew Allen; Kirstie Daken; Jonathan Mason

doi:10.1080/19317611.2026.2663347

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Early Maladaptive Schemas and Risky Sexual Behavior

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Early Maladaptive Schemas and Risky Sexual Behavior

Andrew Allen, Kirstie Daken and Jonathan Mason

International Journal of Sexual Health, Vol.Advanced access

20-May-2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/19317611.2026.2663347

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Abstract

risky sexual behaviour

early maladaptive schemas

coping mechanism

sexual health

schema therapy

Objectives Risky sexual behaviors (RSB; e.g., condomless sex with strangers) contribute to global health epidemics by facilitating the transmission of STIs and increasing exposure to sexual violence, particularly in younger populations. Therefore, understanding the etiological factors influencing RSB is crucial for informing tailored prevention and intervention approaches. Early Maladaptive Schemas (EMS) offer a potential etiological explanation with associated intervention through Schema Therapy. This study extends previous research regarding EMS and RSB by investigating the influence of schema-driven coping responses. Methods An anonymous, cross-sectional online survey recruited 238 participants (135 women, 101 men, 2 non-binary) with a mean age of 29.45 (SD = 6.75). Data were analyzed using bivariate correlations and hierarchical regression models. Results EMS domains of Impaired Limits and Other-Directedness were significantly associated with RSB engagement, as were overcompensation and avoidance coping responses. These associations were observed among younger participants. Conclusions The findings support the role of EMS as an etiological factor for RSB engagement while identifying behavioral patterns that may be targeted with Schema Therapy to protect sexual health and promote wellbeing.

Details

Title: Early Maladaptive Schemas and Risky Sexual Behavior
Authors: Andrew Allen (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast
Kirstie Daken - University of the Sunshine Coast
Jonathan Mason - Cairnmillar Institute
Publication details: International Journal of Sexual Health, Vol.Advanced access
Publisher: Routledge
DOI: 10.1080/19317611.2026.2663347
ISSN: 1931-762X
Copyright note: © 2026 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. The terms on which this article has been published allow the posting of the Accepted Manuscript in a repository by the author(s) or with their consent.
Data Availability: Available from the corresponding author by reasonable request
Organisation Unit: School of Health - Psychology; Sexual Violence Research and Prevention Unit
Language: English
Record Identifier: 991233295702621
Output Type: Journal article

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