Introduction and purpose: Aging population is increasing and it is of great importance to predict factors that promote physical and mental health status of elderly. This study aimed to predict the perceived rejection based on early maladaptive Schema among active and inactive elderly.

Methods & Materials: We used cluster sampling method to collect 150 elderly (included 75 active and 75 inactive elderly) retried from oil and gas company. Respondents were asked to fill the perceived rejection scale and the short form of Early Maladaptive Schema (YSQ-SF) questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis.

Findings: results of this study showed that there are significant relationships between perceived rejection and schemas of emotional deprivation, mistrust/abuse, social isolation, shame/defectiveness, failure, subjugation & insufficient self-control/self-discipline in active elderly. Besides, there were significant associations between perceived rejection and schemas of emotional deprivation, abandonment / instability, mistrust/abuse, social isolation, shame/defectiveness, failure & entitlement among inactive elders. Findings from regression analysis indicated that schemas of emotional deprivation, emotional inhibition & failure could predict perceived rejection among active elders. However, schemas of emotional inhibition and vulnerability to harm or illness can predict perceived rejection among inactive elders.

Conclusion: In general, our findings revealed that perceived rejection among active elderly was predicted by interpersonal aspects of emotional scheme. Conversely, perceived rejection among inactive elderly is more predicted by Intrapersonal aspects.