Schema Domain: Impaired Autonomy And Performance
Schema Therapy
Schema therapy is an evidence-based, integrative therapy developed for treating complex and longstanding difficulties. It is based on the idea many psychological and relational problems stem from early maladaptive schemas (EMS) and how individuals cope with them. Schema therapy expands on CBT by exploring the developmental origins of psychological problems and addressing the maladaptive ‘coping styles’ that perpetuate them.
Schema therapy concepts can be difficult for clients to grasp. Here, we introduce another set of information handouts for schemas belonging to the Impaired Autonomy and Performance domain.
Impaired Autonomy And Performance
Jeffrey Young (1990) originally described 15 schemas, which were later expanded to 18 (Young et al., 2003). These schemas were grouped into hypothetical ‘schema domains’, each associated with specific unmet emotional needs. Initially, these domains were Disconnection and Rejection, Impaired autonomy and Performance, Impaired Limits, Other-Directedness, Overvigiliance and Inhibition (Young et al., 2003). However, subsequent research has suggested a more parsimonious categorisation of four schema domains (Bach et al., 2018; Hoffart et al., 2005; Mącik & Mącik, 2022). These refined domains are Disconnection and Rejection, Excessive Responsibility and Standards, Impaired Autonomy and Performance, and Impaired Limits.
Schemas in the Impaired Autonomy and Performance domain are associated with the belief that one cannot function independently, perform successfully, or express needs and feelings freely. Fears about abandonment or not surviving in the world are also associated with this domain. Each schema in this domain is described below.
Abandonment
Abandonment is characterized by an intense fear that important relationships will end abruptly and irreconcilably. Individuals with this EMS often experience chronic anxiety about potential losses and are hypervigilant for signs of impending abandonment. Others experience it as a lack of reliability, stability, or consistency in their relationships. Abandonment was originally grouped with EMS in the ‘disconnection and rejection’ domain (Young et al., 2003) and later recategorized into the ‘impaired autonomy and performance’ domain (Bach et al., 2018).
Dependence/Incompetence
Individuals who struggle with dependence/incompetence experience a pervasive sense of helplessness and ineptitude (Young et al., 2003). They feel incapable of managing their lives independently and so are often very reliant on others for guidance and support.
Enmeshment
The enmeshment schema (also known as ‘enmeshment/ undeveloped self’; Young et al., 2003) is characterised by blurred interpersonal boundaries, limited individuality, and a lack of autonomy. Being overly involved in the life of another person can also impact the individual’s sense of identity. People with this schema often feel smothered, empty, or worried about how they (or the other person) would cope without the other.
Failure To Achieve
People with a failure to achieve schema believe that they have failed, or will inevitably fail, in achievement-focused domains, such as their career or education (Young, 2014). They believe they are considerably less capable than their peers and might label themselves as stupid, unsuccessful, ignorant, or untalented (Young et al., 2003). This negative self-perception can lead to a deep sense of inadequacy and hopelessness about change.
Subjugation
People with a subjugation EMS submit to others because they fear expressing their rights and feelings will have negative consequences (e.g., they will be criticised, punished, or abandoned). At the same time, they often view their needs, opinions, and desires as less important than others. As a result, subjugation was initially grouped with EMS in the ‘other-directedness’ domain (Young et al., 2003). However, subsequent research indicates that it is better categorized in the ‘impaired autonomy and performance’ domain (Bach et al., 2018), as it can lead to difficulties freely expressing one’s needs and feelings and negative expectations that impair functioning (Young et al., 2014).
Vulnerability To Harm
The vulnerability to harm schema (also known as as ‘vulnerability to harm and illness’; Young, 1990) is characterised a pervasive sense of danger and the belief that catastrophe will strike at any moment. These catastrophes might relate to medical, situational, emotional/psychological, or financial disasters.
References
- Bach, B., Lockwood, G., & Young, J. E. (2018). A new look at the schema therapy model: organization and role of early maladaptive schemas. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, 47, 328-349. DOI: 10.1080/16506073.2017.1410566.
- Hoffart, A., Sexton, H., Hedley, L. M., Wang, C. E., Holthe, H., Haugum, J. A., Nordahl, H. M., Hovland, O. J., & Holte, A. (2005). The structure of maladaptive schemas: A confirmatory factor analysis and a psychometric evaluation of factor-derived scales. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 29, 627-644. DOI: 10.1007/s10608-005-9630-0.
- Mącik, D., & Mącik, R. (2022). Are four maladaptive schema domains a better option than five? Recommendations based on comparison of the latent structure of schemas on a large group of healthy adults. Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy, 50, 334-344. DOI: 10.1017/S1352465821000539.
- Young, J. E. (1990). Cognitive therapy for personality disorders: A schema-focused approach. Practitioner’s Resource Exchange.
- Young, J. E., Klosko, J. S., & Weishaar, M. E. (2003). Schema therapy: A practitioner’s guide. Guilford Press.
- Young, J. E. (2014). Early maladaptive schemas. Schema Therapy Institute, New York