Roles Of Adverse Childhood Experiences And Early Maladaptive Schemas In Antisocial Personality Disorder: A Systematic Review
Abstract
Objective: Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is characterized by a pattern of negligence towards social norms, illicit and aggressive conduct, and lack of remorse. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and subsequent development of Early Maladaptive Schemas (EMS) play a significant role in psychopathology vulnerability, including personality disorders. However, the evidence on the link between cognitive and environmental vulnerability in ASPD specifically is still limited. The aim of the present review is to analyze and discuss the available literature exploring the role of specific ACEs and EMSs in the development of ASPD and investigate the possible mediating role of cognitive variables between environmental factors and ASPD.
Method: A systematic analysis was conducted of records published from January 1st, 2002 to March 18th, 2025 on APAJournals, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, PubMed, using keywords pertaining to three concepts: "antisocial personality disorder", "early maladaptive schema/schema mode", "adverse childhood experiences".
Results: A total of 7719 records were screened, while 229 records were analyzed against our eligibility criteria, resulting in the inclusion of 26 records. The studies emphasize the contribution of physical abuse, and Disconnection/Rejection and Impaired limits domains in the etiology of ASPD. Regarding the mediation between ACEs and ASPD, various studies focused on dysfunctional schema-modes, finding that Child, Over-compensatory, and Healthy…
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Evidence Hub reads this as a systematic review. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid.
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