Abstract
Early maladaptive schemas, which are cognitive and behavioral patterns of viewing oneself and the world that result in substantial
distress, are gradually being documented as important vulnerabilities for substance abuse. Unfortunately, there is limited
research on early maladaptive schemas among substance abusers and their family members. Research on this topic may carry important
implications for family-focused substance use interventions. The current study examined similarities and differences in early
maladaptive schemas among a sample of substance abuse treatment seeking adults (n = 47) and at least one parent (n = 58). Results demonstrated that the substance abusers scored higher than their parents on 17 of 18 early maladaptive schemas,
with most differences falling into the large effect size range. There were some similarities in the specific early maladaptive
schemas endorsed by both groups despite substance abusers scoring higher on all schemas. Implications of these findings for
future research and family-focused substance use treatment programs are discussed.
distress, are gradually being documented as important vulnerabilities for substance abuse. Unfortunately, there is limited
research on early maladaptive schemas among substance abusers and their family members. Research on this topic may carry important
implications for family-focused substance use interventions. The current study examined similarities and differences in early
maladaptive schemas among a sample of substance abuse treatment seeking adults (n = 47) and at least one parent (n = 58). Results demonstrated that the substance abusers scored higher than their parents on 17 of 18 early maladaptive schemas,
with most differences falling into the large effect size range. There were some similarities in the specific early maladaptive
schemas endorsed by both groups despite substance abusers scoring higher on all schemas. Implications of these findings for
future research and family-focused substance use treatment programs are discussed.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-13
- DOI 10.1007/s10591-012-9203-9
- Authors
- Ryan C. Shorey, Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee, 1404 Circle Dr., Austin Peay Building, 311, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
- Scott Anderson, Cornerstone of Recovery, Louisville, TN, USA
- Gregory L. Stuart, Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee, 1404 Circle Dr., Austin Peay Building, 311, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
- Journal Contemporary Family Therapy
- Online ISSN 1573-3335
- Print ISSN 0892-2764