Early Maladaptive Schemas

Question 1

Emotional Deprivation

Answer 1

The expectation that others will not adequately meet one’s needs for
nurturance and support

Question 2

Abandonment

Answer 2

The expectation that one will eventually be abandoned by significant others

Question 3

Mistrust

Answer 3

The expectation that one will be abused, humiliated, or manipulated by
others

Question 4

Social Isolation

Answer 4

The belief that one is different from others and does not belong within a
community

Question 5

Defectiveness

Answer 5

The belief that one is fundamentally flawed, unworthy, or unlovable

Question 6

Failure

Answer 6

The expectation that one will inevitably fail, or is fundamentally inadequate
compared to others

Question 7

Dependence

Answer 7

The belief that that one is completely hopeless, dependent on others, and is
incapable of making everyday decisions on their own

Question 8

Vulnerability to Harm

Answer 8

The belief that the world is dangerous, and that disaster can strike at any
moment

Question 9

Enmeshment

Answer 9

Excessive emotional involvement with others due to the belief that one
cannot cope without the other

Question 10

Subjugation

Answer 10

Excessive submission of one’s needs to avoid punishment, abandonment,
and rejection.

Question 11

Self-Sacrifice

Answer 11

Excessive sense of duty to meet the needs of others to the sacrifice of one’s
own needs

Question 12

Fear of Losing Control

Answer 12

A belief that dire consequences will result from failing to maintain control of
emotions

Question 13

Emotional Constriction

Answer 13

Excessive overcontrol of emotions due to feelings of shame and
embarrassment of all emotions

Question 14

Unrelenting Standards

Answer 14

The belief that one will be harshly criticised if they do not meet very high
(often internalised) standards of performance or behaviour often at the
expense of gratification

Question 15

Entitlement

Answer 15

The belief that one is superior to others and is entitled to special privileges
and rights

Question 16

Insufficient Self-Control

Answer 16

Difficulties exercising self-control to achieve goals, low frustration tolerance,
and inability to control urges and impulses

Question 17

Approval Seeking

Answer 17

Excessive focus on gaining the attention, recognition, and approval of others
often at the expense one’s own sense of self

Question 18

Negativity

Answer 18

An increased focus on the negative aspects of life, whilst minimising the
positive

Question 19

Punitiveness (Self)

Answer 19

The belief that oneself should be punished for any mistakes or imperfections;
hypercriticalness towards one’s self

Question 20

Punitiveness (Other)

Answer 20

The belief that others should be punished for any mistakes or imperfections;
hypercriticalness towards others