Forgiveness and early maladaptive schemas and trauma among women with an alcohol-use disorder parent

Introduction
The aim of the research was to ascertain whether early maladaptive schemas (EMS) and trauma are important predictors of the disposition to forgive and whether it is possible to distinguish types of women with parents diagnosed with alcohol-use disorder (AUD) characterised by a specific configuration of the disposition to forgive, intensification of EMS and a sense of trauma.

Material and methods
The study group included women with a parent with AUD (N = 150) aged 20-35 years (M = 28.58, SD = 4.91). Heartland Forgiveness Scale, Young Schema Questionnaire and Childhood Trauma Questionnaire were used.

Results
EMS and a sense of trauma turned out to be important predictors of dispositional forgiveness. Two types of women were also distinguished, differing in their disposition to forgive, the intensity of EMS and the sense of trauma.

Discussion
The obtained results are consistent with those of studies that proved trauma is a significant predictor of forgiveness.

Conclusions
Women with a higher severity of EMS and a sense of trauma were characterised by a lower readiness to forgive in various situational contexts.