The early maladaptive schemas of an opioid-dependent sample of treatment seeking young adults: A descriptive investigation

Abstract

Opioid dependence is an increasingly prevalent problem throughout the world, particularly for young adults (e.g., ages 17–25). Opioid dependence is associated with a wealth of negative consequences and is often a chronic, relapsing condition. Research on factors that may contribute to the etiology of opioid dependence could result in improved treatment outcomes. Using pre-existing patient records, the current study examined the early maladaptive schemas among young adult opioid dependent residential treatment patients (N = 169), as it is theorized that early maladaptive schemas may underlie or maintain substance use. Results showed that all 18 early maladaptive schemas were endorsed at various levels among male and female patients, with insufficient self-control being the most prevalent schema. In addition, females scored significantly higher than males on 11 of the 18 schemas. Findings from the current study are discussed in terms of future research and implications for the treatment of opioid dependence.

The Relation between Trait Mindfulness and Early Maladaptive Schemas in Men Seeking Substance Use Treatment

“…For instance, the strongest relation was between trait mindfulness and the early maladaptive schema of insufficient self-control ( r = −.52). This early maladaptive schema is characterized by impulsivity, low self-control, poor frustration and anger tolerance, and the avoidance of discomfort (Young et al, 2003), and previous research has also demonstrated that the insufficient self-control schema is one of the most commonly endorsed schema among individuals seeking substance use treatment (e.g., Shorey, Stuart, & Anderson, 2012). In essence, this schema appears to be the near opposite of trait mindfulness, which emphasizes the acceptance of discomfort, enhanced self-control and awareness (Baer, 2003).…”

“…Thus, there is a need for continued research on risk and protective factors for substance use that could be targeted in substance use treatment. Recent research has examined the early maladaptive schemas of individuals seeking substance use treatment (e.g., Roper, Dickson, Tinwell, Booth, & McGuire, 2010; Shorey, Stuart, & Anderson, 2012), as targeting early maladaptive schemas in substance use treatment has been theorized as a method to improve outcomes (Ball, 1998). Similarly, research has examined mindfulness-based interventions among individuals seeking substance use treatment, demonstrating positive outcomes (e.g., Bowen et al, 2009).…”

Early maladaptive schemas in a sample of airline pilots seeking residential substance use treatment: an initial investigation

“…Similarly, Roper, Dickson, Tinwell, Booth, and McGuire (2010) found that a sample of male and female alcohol dependent adults seeking residential treatment scored significantly higher on 14 of 15 early maladaptive schemas than a non-clinical comparison group. Finally, using Young's current model, which contains all 18 schemas, Shorey, Stuart, and Anderson (2012) found that young adult female substance users seeking residential treatment scored higher on 16 of 18 early maladaptive schemas when compared to a non-clinical comparison group.…”

“…In recent years, there has been a call for an increased understanding of the personality factors that may contribute to negative health functioning among airline pilots (Butcher, 2002) and on factors that may perpetuate substance use among this population (Butcher, 2002; Coombs, 1997). For substance use problems in general, researchers have begun to examine early maladaptive schemas (Young, Klosko, & Weishaar, 2003), which are enduring cognitive and behavioral patterns that may underlie the development, maintenance, or perpetuation of substance use disorders (Ball, 2007; Brotchie, Meyer, Copello, Kidney, & Waller, 2004; Shorey, Stuart, & Anderson, 2012). Early maladaptive schemas are similar to “core beliefs” (Riso et al, 2006) and guide how individuals interpret and code information in their environments.…”

Schémas précoces inadaptés et personnalité selon une approche en cinq facteurs

“…Ainsi, dans les troubles anxieux, le SPI vulnérabilité est très influent dans le trouble panique avec agoraphobie [13] alors que, dans l'anxiété sociale, les SPI suractivés relèvent du domaine de SPI séparation/rejet (abandon, abus-méfiance, carence affective, imperfection, isolement) [5]. Dans les conduites addictives, les SPI suractivés diffèrent selon la substance psycho-active (alcool [7], opiacés [14,15], cannabis [16]) et selon l'activité addictive (travail) [17]. En conséquence, l'identification des SPI activés constitue une étape essentielle en thérapie cognitive car plusieurs mécanismes (cognitifs, comportementaux) et stratégies d'adaptation dysfonctionnelle contribuent au maintien des schémas.…”