Approval-/Admiration-Seeking

This resource provides insights into the approval-/admiration-seeking schema, helping therapists work with common early maladaptive schemas (EMS) more effectively.

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Professional version

Offers theory, guidance, and prompts for mental health professionals. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.

Client version

Includes client-friendly guidance. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.

Overview

The approval-/admiration seeking EMS is characterised by a persistent and exaggerated need for the approval, attention, and recognition. Overly focused on the judgements of others and social status,individuals with this EMS experience corresponding losses in their self-esteem, self-identity, selfdirectedness, and vitality (Chang, 2020; Ehrlich, 2021). Part of the Psychology Tools Schema series, this resource aids therapists in identifying and addressing key early maladaptive schemas (EMS).

Why Use This Resource?

The Approval-/Admiration-Seeking schema resource supports therapeutic engagement by helping clients:

  • Understand what schemas are and where they come from.
  • Recognize how the approval-/admiration-seeking schema might operate in their lives.
  • Develop ideas about how to overcome this problematic, longstanding pattern.

Key Benefits

Insight

Offers a comprehensive understanding of the approval-/admiration-seeking schema.

Healing

Describes what addressing what addressing this schema might entail.

Versatility

Applicable across a range of psychological difficulties.

Who is this for?

Narcissism

Extreme self-promotion and need for admiration.

Relationship Problems

Excessive concerns about being liked and accepted.

Other Difficulties

Addictions, bipolar disorder, and OCD have been associated with this schema.

Integrating it into your practice

01

Educate

Provide psychoeducation about schemas and their origins in unmet needs.

02

Identify

Recognize the signs of Approval-/Admiration-Seeking in clients.

03

Monitor

Help clients spot when this schema is activated.

04

Address

Use schema-focused interventions to heal this schema.

Theoretical Background & Therapist Guidance

Schema therapy aims to addresses complex psychological difficulties by healing early maladaptive schemas (EMS) and addressing problematic coping styles. This requires a blend of cognitive, emotion-focused, relational, and behavioral interventions.

People with an approval-/admiration-seeking schema are very concerned about what others think of them. They work hard to impress people so that they are accepted, applauded, or gain attention. However, focusing so much on other people’s opinions can leave them feeling empty, disconnected from their true self, and unhappy with their choices in life.

What's inside

  • Detailed explanation of schema theory and schema therapy concepts.
  • Insights into the approval-/admiration-seeking schema and it's origins.
  • Overview of other schemas that are sometimes linked to appproval-/admiration-seeking.
  • Suggestions for how therapists can meet the needs of clients with this schema.
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FAQs

Clients may alter their behavior to gain approval, often resulting in a lack of genuine self-expression, or act in boastful, self-promoting ways.
Approval-/admiration-seeking is often associated with unmet emotional needs relating to unconditional love and acceptance, self-directedness, self-expression, and validation in childhood (Bach et al., 2018; Farrell & Shaw, 2018).
People with this schema might struggle with fragile self-worth, difficulties tolerating criticism or disapproval, and a lack of authenticity.

How This Resource Improves Clinical Outcomes

By using this information sheet, therapists can:

  • Develop a deeper understanding of the approval-/admiration-seeking schema.
  • Help clients recognize how this schema operates in their lives.
  • Engage clients in therapy and plan effective interventions.

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References And Further Reading

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