An exploratory investigation of schema modes in social anxiety disorder: Empirical findings and case conceptualization

Abstract

Background: Current “gold standard” treatments for social anxiety disorder (SAD) are limited by the limited emphasis of key etiological factors in conceptualization, and many individuals with SAD experience residual symptoms posttreatment. Hence, the novel application of the Schema Therapy Mode Model may provide a helpful framework for extending clinical understanding and treatment options for SAD. This exploratory study aimed to investigate the presence and pattern of schema modes among SAD individuals. Method: Forty individuals with SAD completed questionnaire measures of symptomatology, social anxiety-relevant cognitions, schema modes, childhood trauma, and parental style. Results: Key maladaptive schema modes identified in SAD were Vulnerable Child, Punitive Critic, Demanding Critic, Compliant Surrender, and Detached Self-Soother. Conclusion: Outcomes provide the basis for a proposed schema mode case conceptualization for SAD and are hoped to provide a rationale for testing the applicability of Schema Therapy as a novel treatment for SAD. Key limitations are discussed.