Abstract
Background: Schemas or core beliefs are frequently targeted in psychological approaches to psychosis. However, their precise role in the formation and maintenance of psychosis is unclear. Schema theory can shed a new light on our understanding and clinical approaches to psychosis. Therefore, this article reviews the existing research on the impact of schemas in psychosis and discusses it in relation to theory development and clinical practice.Methods: A literature search was performed to identify studies investigating the role of schemas in psychosis. Articles were identified through a literature search in Embase, MEDLINE and Science Direct. Electronic databases were searched from inception until October 2014. A broad concept of schemas was used to identify as many relevant articles as possible. Studies investigating a concept of self-esteem were excluded.
Results: The literature search identified 753 studies of which 23 met the inclusion criteria. The reviewed studies found significant associations between negative self and other schemas and positive symptoms of psychosis in both clinical and sub-clinical samples. Negative schemas were found to be linked to trauma or adverse life events, and significantly predicted the overall variance in psychotic delusions.
Conclusions: This review highlights the importance of focusing on schemas and points to the potential role of negative self and other schemas in the development and maintenance of psychosis. The results suggest that schema theory can offer a valuable contribution to our understanding of psychosis, and has the potential to inform future research and treatment of psychosis. Limitations of the present research are discussed. Clinical and theoretical implications of findings are outlined, and possible directions for future research are suggested.
| Date of Award | 16 Sept 2015 |
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| Original language | English |
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| Supervisor | Andrew Medley (Supervisor) & Paul Salkovskis (Supervisor) |