Cognitive schemas among mental health professionals and other health professionals

Abstract

Objective: Research has demonstrated that dysfunctional cognitive schemas among mental health professionals (MHPs) may influence the ability to process clients' information in an unbiased manner, may be a substantial source of error in psychotherapeutic ratings, hinder accurate reporting of clients' cognitive schemas, and have a detrimental effect on therapeutic alliance. The present study compared cognitive schemas among MHPs and other health professionals (OHPs). Materials and Method: A sample of 128 professionals (64 MHPs and 64 OHPs) was chosen using a purposive sampling technique. The study used a cross-sectional observational research design. The Young Schema Questionnaire Short Form 3rd version was administered on the consenting participants. Results: OHPs had higher maladaptive schemas on the domains of abandonment and defectiveness. Overall, males had more maladaptive schemas in the domains of abandonment, mistrust, entitlement/superiority, admiration/recognition seeking, and emotional inhibition. Among MHPs, a weak positive correlation of years of experience with vulnerability to harm or illness was seen. Among other health professionals, a significant but weak positive correlation of age with admiration/recognition seeking was seen. Conclusion: This study highlights the presence of maladaptive schemas in health professionals and the need for incorporation of training modules to address these.

Keywords

• Cognitive schemas
• health professionals
• mental health professionals Key messages: The present study found more maladaptive schemas in other health professionals as compared to mental heath professionals. This understanding shall aid in the development of measures incorporated during the training period
• resulting in better therapeutic competence of the health professionals.