Expanding schema conceptualisation and assessment: Towards a richer understanding of adaptive and maladaptive functioning

Objective From a variety of perspectives, moderate self‐views and behavioural patterns contribute to adaptive functioning. However, current conceptualisations and measurement of schemas take an exclusively unipolar, extreme approach to assessing schema domains primarily with highly negatively valenc...

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Main Authors: Patrick R. Steffen, Charles H. Elliott, Maureen K. Lassen, Joseph Olsen, Laura L. Smith
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2017-09-01
Series:Australian Journal of Psychology
Subjects:
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/ajpy.12141
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author Patrick R. Steffen
Charles H. Elliott
Maureen K. Lassen
Joseph Olsen
Laura L. Smith
author_facet Patrick R. Steffen
Charles H. Elliott
Maureen K. Lassen
Joseph Olsen
Laura L. Smith
author_sort Patrick R. Steffen
collection DOAJ
description Objective From a variety of perspectives, moderate self‐views and behavioural patterns contribute to adaptive functioning. However, current conceptualisations and measurement of schemas take an exclusively unipolar, extreme approach to assessing schema domains primarily with highly negatively valenced content. The purpose of this study was to develop and examine a psychometrically sound and theoretically grounded measure that assesses moderate schemas and contrasts them with excessively high or low schemas using the Assessment of Schema Adaptability Profile (ASAP). Method A total of 233 participants (average age 36, 36% females, 70% white) completed the Adult Attachment Questionnaire and the Symptom Checklist 90‐Revised to assess well‐being as a validation instrument for the ASAP. The ASAP covers 10 schema dimensions (e.g., Entitled vs Unworthy) with items addressing overly positive, over negative, and moderate aspects of schema functioning. Results A single, moderate adaptive response pattern was evident across all profile domains. Those who endorsed excessively high or low responses loaded together and did not overlap with the moderate responders. Moderate responders reported increased well‐being and positive attachment, whereas excessive responders reported decreased well‐being and negative attachment. Conclusions Overall, the ASAP identifies and distinguishes between moderate and excessively high or low schemas and provides a unique, useful tool for conducting schema‐based research.
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spelling doaj.art-53c3b4ccc72747bba9a250559d4f38702023-09-19T08:54:46ZengTaylor & Francis GroupAustralian Journal of Psychology0004-95301742-95362017-09-0169320020910.1111/ajpy.1214112098850Expanding schema conceptualisation and assessment: Towards a richer understanding of adaptive and maladaptive functioningPatrick R. Steffen0Charles H. Elliott1Maureen K. Lassen2Joseph Olsen3Laura L. Smith4Brigham Young UniversityFielding Graduate UniversityFielding Graduate UniversityBrigham Young UniversityPrivate PracticeObjective From a variety of perspectives, moderate self‐views and behavioural patterns contribute to adaptive functioning. However, current conceptualisations and measurement of schemas take an exclusively unipolar, extreme approach to assessing schema domains primarily with highly negatively valenced content. The purpose of this study was to develop and examine a psychometrically sound and theoretically grounded measure that assesses moderate schemas and contrasts them with excessively high or low schemas using the Assessment of Schema Adaptability Profile (ASAP). Method A total of 233 participants (average age 36, 36% females, 70% white) completed the Adult Attachment Questionnaire and the Symptom Checklist 90‐Revised to assess well‐being as a validation instrument for the ASAP. The ASAP covers 10 schema dimensions (e.g., Entitled vs Unworthy) with items addressing overly positive, over negative, and moderate aspects of schema functioning. Results A single, moderate adaptive response pattern was evident across all profile domains. Those who endorsed excessively high or low responses loaded together and did not overlap with the moderate responders. Moderate responders reported increased well‐being and positive attachment, whereas excessive responders reported decreased well‐being and negative attachment. Conclusions Overall, the ASAP identifies and distinguishes between moderate and excessively high or low schemas and provides a unique, useful tool for conducting schema‐based research.http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/ajpy.12141adaptive functioningassessmentbipolardistressmoderationpersonalityschemas
spellingShingle Patrick R. Steffen
Charles H. Elliott
Maureen K. Lassen
Joseph Olsen
Laura L. Smith
Expanding schema conceptualisation and assessment: Towards a richer understanding of adaptive and maladaptive functioning
Australian Journal of Psychology
adaptive functioning
assessment
bipolar
distress
moderation
personality
schemas
title Expanding schema conceptualisation and assessment: Towards a richer understanding of adaptive and maladaptive functioning
title_full Expanding schema conceptualisation and assessment: Towards a richer understanding of adaptive and maladaptive functioning
title_fullStr Expanding schema conceptualisation and assessment: Towards a richer understanding of adaptive and maladaptive functioning
title_full_unstemmed Expanding schema conceptualisation and assessment: Towards a richer understanding of adaptive and maladaptive functioning
title_short Expanding schema conceptualisation and assessment: Towards a richer understanding of adaptive and maladaptive functioning
title_sort expanding schema conceptualisation and assessment towards a richer understanding of adaptive and maladaptive functioning
topic adaptive functioning
assessment
bipolar
distress
moderation
personality
schemas
url http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/ajpy.12141
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