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Updated: Jul 11, 2026

Developing Neuroimaging Phenotypes of the Default Mode Network in PTSD: Integrating the Resting State, Working Memory, and Structural Connectivity
Published on: July 1, 2014
Cognitive schemas, defence mechanisms and post-traumatic stress symptomatology
1South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust, Middlesbrough, UK. jason.price@stees.nhs.uk
Objective:
To identify specific ego defences and core schemas involved in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology.
Design:
Stepwise regression with predictor models generated from ego defences and core schema variables.
Method:
Seventy-seven participants completed the Impact of Event Scale, the 40-item Defence Style Questionnaire and the Young Schema Questionnaire (short-form).
Results:
Four core schemas (Defectiveness, Dependency, Enmeshment and Failure) and three defence mechanisms (Splitting, Rationalization and Projection) were found to be significant predictors in PTSD symptomatology.
Conclusions:
The identified core schema and ego defences are seen to be theoretically consistent with present cognitive and psychodynamic conceptualizations of PTSD. The implications for future research are discussed.
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