Mistrust / Abuse Schema
The Mistrust / Abuse Schema handout is designed to help clients and therapists to work more effectively with common early maladaptive schemas (EMS).
Mistrust / Abuse
Early maladaptive schemas (or 'schemas' for short) are negative themes or patterns in our thoughts and feelings that persist throughout our lives. This tool will introduce you to the mistrust / abuse schema.
Overview
Schema therapy posits that psychological difficulties stem from early maladaptive schemas (EMS) and clients’ characteristic responses to them, referred to as ‘coping styles’. The mistrust / abuse schema relates to a steadfast conviction that other people are bound to hurt or exploit them. They anticipate that this harm will be intentional, or the result of unjustified negligence or disadvantage relative to others (Young, 2014). Importantly, these expectations are pervasive and certain, rather than fleeting doubts or worries (Young et al., 2003).
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