The Role of Avoidance Coping and Problem-Focused Style of Coping in the Association between Early Maladaptive Schemas and Suicide Ideation in Depressive Disorder Patients: A Moderated Mediation Model

Background: The purpose of this study was to identify the risk and protective factors for suicidal ideation in patients with depressive disorder by examining the moderated mediation effect of avoidance and problem-focused coping styles in the relationship between early maladaptive schemas (disconnection and rejection) and suicidal ideation. Methods: Data were collected from 73 patients with depressive disorder. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS Windows 23.0 and the PROCESS Macro program. Results: Avoidance coping played a mediating role in the relationship between early maladaptive schemas and suicidal ideation. Problem-focused coping played a moderating role in the relationship between avoidance coping and suicidal ideation; this moderating role was found to have a counter buffering effect. Conclusions: These results suggest that early maladaptive schemas (disconnection and rejection) and avoidance coping act as risk factors for suicidal ideation in patients with depressive disorder.