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

Abstract

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.

Keywords

• adaptive functioning
• assessment
• bipolar
• distress
• moderation
• personality
• schemas