Exploring the interplay between dreams, Early Maladaptive Schemas and demanding parenting style in Malaysia: A qualitative study

Abstract

The demanding parenting style is a dysfunctional parenting behaviour which involves strict rules, overprotectiveness, high standards, and little affection or emotional support. It is commonly found in the Asian community. Extensive studies have suggested that this parenting style would contribute to various severe impacts, which include the development of early maladaptive schemas (EMS). Interestingly, EMS has been found to represent itself in dreams through themes and symbols. With this, the current study employed qualitative interviews to analyse the relationship between EMS and dreams in eight Malaysian young adults who experienced demanding parenting styles. The current study found that a demanding parenting style is associated with six EMS, which are (1) abuse/mistrust, (2) failure, (3) pessimism/negativity, (4) unrelenting standard/hypercriticalness, (5) approval seeking/recognition seeking, and (6) social isolation/alienation. These EMS manifested themselves in dreams. Based on these findings, the use of EMS in dream analysis has the potential to be an effective mediator to understand and explore the individuals’ past history.