Differences in early maladaptive schemas in a sample of alcohol- and opioid-dependent women: Do schemas vary across disorders?

Abstract

Research suggests that there may be differences between individuals diagnosed with alcohol dependence and individuals diagnosed with opioid dependence on co-morbid mental health problems (e.g., personality disorders, mood disorders, etc.). The current study examined whether there were differences in early maladaptive schemas, which are theorized to underlie mental health problems, among women diagnosed with alcohol dependence or opioid dependence who were seeking treatment for their substance use (N = 420). Results showed that opioid dependent women scored higher on 2 of the 18 early maladaptive schemas, particularly the schemas of dependence and punitiveness. Overall, these findings suggest that early maladaptive schemas may be largely consistent across women diagnosed with alcohol or opioid dependence. Implications of these findings for future research and treatment are discussed.

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

“…Future research that also employs larger samples of individuals seeking substance use treatment should also examine whether the relation between early maladaptive schemas and trait mindfulness varies across diagnostic groups (i.e., alcohol vs. drug). Although research indicates that early maladaptive schemas are largely consistent across substance use diagnostic groups (i.e., Shorey et al, 2013b), there is minimal research on whether trait mindfulness varies across diagnostic groups, and to date the existing research in this area is mixed (e.g., Dakwar et al, 2011; Shorey, Brasfield et al, in press). Knowing this information could help to inform practitioners on whether individuals with certain substance use diagnoses may benefit more from interventions that concurrently target early maladaptive schemas and mindfulness.…”

“…Indeed, research has demonstrated that individuals seeking substance abuse treatment report greater endorsement of almost every early maladaptive schema, with the exception of unrelenting standards and self-sacrifice, than non-substance abusing populations (Brotchie, Meyer, Copello, Kidney, & Waller, 2004; Roper et al, 2010; Shorey, Anderson, & Stuart, 2011; 2013a, in press). In addition, research has demonstrated that early maladaptive schemas among individuals seeking substance abuse treatment do not differ across substance use disorders (e.g., alcohol vs. opioid; Shorey, Stuart, & Anderson, 2013b). Further, among individuals seeking substance use treatment, early maladaptive schemas are associated with increased depressive symptoms (Shorey, Stuart, & Anderson, in press).…”

The relationship between early maladaptive schemas and eating-disorder symptomatology among individuals seeking treatment for substance dependence

“…Research examining the relationship between EMS and SUDs has consistently found that EMS are prevalent among individuals seeking treatment for SUDs (e.g., Shorey, Anderson, & Stuart, 2012;2014), and research has also demonstrated that the vast majority of EMS are higher among substance users compared to non-clinical samples (Brotchie et al, 2004; Shorey, Stuart, & Anderson, 2013a; 2013b; 2014). In addition, given the prevalence of EMS among substance-dependent individuals and the significant differences between substance-dependent and non-clinical samples, a growing body of research has examined the effect of treatment on EMS.…”

A preliminary investigation of the relationship between early maladaptive schemas and compulsive sexual behaviors in a substance-dependent population

“…Moreover, research has demonstrated significant differences between substance-dependent and non-clinical groups on EMS, with the substance-dependent population endorsing significantly higher EMS levels (e.g., Brotchie, Meyer, Copello, Kidney, & Waller 2004; Roper, Dickson, Tinwell, Booth, & McGuire, 2010; Shorey, Stuart, & Anderson, 2013a; 2014). Additionally, in one study comparing EMS among alcohol and drug dependent populations, results indicated that the two groups did not significantly differ on many of the EMS (Shorey, Stuart, & Anderson, 2013b). Additionally, preliminary research has started to examine whether EMS change following treatment for substance dependence (Shorey, Stuart, Anderson, & Strong, 2013, Ball, 2007).…”