We will examine schema characteristics and five categories. A schema can be considered as thoughts and beliefs about oneself, others, and the world, formed during childhood. These schemas do not change easily, can be easily learned from people around during childhood, and increase the likelihood of meeting people who will sustain one’s schemas. If you are struggling due to schemas, it is necessary to understand the schema characteristics and categories to consider how to prepare for them.
1. Schema Characteristics
A schema is a perspective on oneself, others, and the world, formed based on personal beliefs during childhood. For more details, please refer to the link below!
The schema characteristics include persistence, transmission, and chemical reactions.
1) Schema Persistence
The first schema characteristic is schema persistence, the concept that once a schema is formed, it is difficult to change.
Schemas formed during childhood may have been beneficial at the time but often have a negative impact in adulthood. Nevertheless, they are not easy to change.
2) Schema Transmission
The second schema characteristic is schema transmission, meaning that schemas are passed down to the next generation.
If parents have maladaptive schemas, it is common for these to be transmitted to their children, negatively affecting many people.
3) Schema Chemistry
The third schema characteristic is schema chemistry, which means that if one cannot shake off a schema, it is likely to meet people who will reinforce that schema.
Numerous studies indicate that children of alcoholics are more likely to date alcoholics, a phenomenon of being unconsciously drawn to the familiar, even though one knows it is not right.
When correcting schemas, it is necessary to fix such addictive relationship states, a process referred to as schema detoxification.
2. Five Schema Categories
The schema categories are five in total: Disconnection and Rejection, Impaired Autonomy and Performance, Impaired Limits, Other-Directedness, and Overvigilance and Inhibition.
1) Disconnection and Rejection
The category of Disconnection and Rejection groups schemas that arise from a disruption of the needs for love and care, resulting in abandonment and rejection.
2) Impaired Autonomy and Performance
The category of Impaired Autonomy and Performance involves beliefs formed in childhood that prevent personal autonomy and independence.
3) Impaired Limits
The category of Impaired Limits refers to the lack of appropriate mutual boundaries and self-discipline.
4) Other-Directedness
The area of Other-Directedness prioritizes meeting the needs of others over oneself, maintaining emotional relationships to avoid retaliation or to gain approval.
5) Overvigilance and Inhibition
The category of Overvigilance and Inhibition involves the belief that one must suppress their natural emotions and impulses.
3. Conclusion and Q&A
The enduring nature of schemas, their transmission from parents during childhood, and the likelihood of engaging with people who share similar schemas are key points of schema characteristics. Below are some frequently asked questions to further clarify schemas.
1) What is a schema?
Schemas are beliefs about oneself, others, and the world, formed during childhood and hard to change.
2) What are the schema characteristics?
They include persistence, transmission, and chemical reactions: persistence means they do not change easily, transmission refers to the passing of the same schemas from people around during childhood, and chemical reactions mean meeting people who will sustain one’s schemas.
3) What types of schemas are there?
They include Disconnection and Rejection, Impaired Autonomy and Performance, Impaired Limits, Other-Directedness, and Overvigilance and Inhibition, mostly related to experiences during childhood.
4) Can schemas be changed?
Although it is difficult to completely change a schema due to its persistent nature, it is possible to weaken maladaptive schemas by enhancing other functionalities, although it may take time.
For those interested in learning more about the types of schemas, please refer to the link below!
► Reference and Further Reading:
– International Society of Schema Therapy (ISST)
– Schema Therapy Book by Jeffrey E. Young
– Be the Titan Brain
