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Relationships between early maladaptive schemas and psychosocial developmental task resolution
1Helgelandssykehuset Mo i Rana, Psychiatric Hospital, Mo i Rana, Norway. jens.thimm@ntnu.no
Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy
|September 15, 2009
Summary
Early maladaptive schemas (EMS) are linked to difficulties in resolving childhood developmental tasks. Schema therapy improvements correlate with better psychosocial development, supporting schema theory.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychotherapy
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Early maladaptive schemas (EMS) arise from adverse childhood experiences.
- EMS are thought to impede the resolution of crucial psychological developmental tasks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between EMS and the resolution of Erikson's psychosocial developmental tasks.
- To examine if changes in schemas predict changes in developmental task resolution.
Main Methods:
- 145 adult psychiatric outpatients completed measures of EMS and psychosocial development tasks.
- Data were collected on two separate occasions.
- Correlational and regression analyses were employed.
Main Results:
- A significant association was found between EMS and unsuccessful psychosocial task resolution.
- Schema change was a predictor of improved resolution of developmental tasks.
Conclusions:
- Findings support the hypothesis that EMS are related to difficulties in psychosocial development.
- The study validates Jeffrey Young's schema development theory.
- Schema therapy may facilitate the resolution of developmental tasks.
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