Early maladaptive schema, social functioning and distress in psychosis: A preliminary investigation

Abstract

Background: Cognitive models of psychosis suggest that negative schema confer vulnerability to and maintain psychotic symptoms. However, few studies have investigated schema among individuals with psychotic symptoms, and research has yet to investigate associations between early maladaptive schema and social functioning and distress. The current preliminary study aimed to investigate these issues. Methods: A cross-sectional design was utilised. Participants with experience of psychosis (n = 20) completed questionnaires measuring early maladaptive schema, social functioning, and global distress. Results: Social functioning was significantly associated with two schema: dependency and enmeshment. Eight schema were significantly associated with distress. However, a cross-sectional design and small sample size limit the generalisability of the results. Conclusions: These results suggest that early maladaptive schema may have an important role in psychosis, and could be considered as part of psychological therapies that seek to enhance social functioning and reduce distress.