- Overview
- Schemas
- The 18 Early Maladaptive Schemas
- Emotional Deprivation Schema
- Abandonment Schema
- Mistrust / Abuse Schema
- Defectiveness / Shame Schema
- Social Isolation / Alienation Schema
- Dependence / Incompetence Schema
- Vulnerability to Harm or Illness Schema
- Enmeshment / Undeveloped Self Schema
- Failure Schema
- Insufficient Self-Control / Self-Discipline Schema
- Grandiosity / Entitlement Schema
- Subjugation Schema
- Self-Sacrifice Schema
- Approval-Seeking / Recognition-Seeking Schema
- Negativity / Pessimism Schema
- Emotional Inhibition Schema
- Unrelenting Standards / Hyper-Criticalness Schema
- Punitiveness Schema
- The Five Schema Domains
- Modes
- Treatment Techniques
- Scientific Research
- Reading List
The Defectiveness/Shame Schema
The Defectiveness/Shame schema is a psychological concept that refers to a set of beliefs and expectations about oneself that can develop in response to early experiences of shame or criticism. People with this schema tend to believe that they are fundamentally flawed or inadequate, and may have difficulty feeling good about themselves or accepting love and affection from others.
There are several key characteristics of the Defectiveness/Shame schema. These include:
- A belief in one’s own defectiveness: People with this schema may believe that they are inherently flawed or defective in some way, and may feel ashamed of themselves as a result.
- Difficulty accepting love and affection: The belief in one’s own defectiveness may make it difficult for people with this schema to accept love and affection from others, as they may feel that they do not deserve it.
- Low self-esteem: The negative view of oneself that is characteristic of this schema can lead to low self-esteem and a lack of confidence in one’s abilities.
- Difficulty setting and achieving goals: The negative self-perception associated with the Defectiveness/Shame schema can make it difficult for people to set and achieve goals, as they may believe that they are not capable of succeeding.
The Defectiveness/Shame schema can have a significant impact on a person’s sense of self-worth and can make it difficult for them to form and maintain healthy, fulfilling relationships. It can also contribute to the development of other psychological issues, such as anxiety and depression.
How does The Defectiveness/Shame Schema relate to Attachment Theory?
The Defectiveness/Shame schema can be seen as an example of an insecure attachment style, specifically an anxious attachment style. People with an anxious attachment style tend to have a negative view of themselves and a strong need for reassurance from others. They may also have a fear of abandonment and a tendency to become excessively clingy or demanding in relationships.
The Defectiveness/Shame schema can be thought of as a specific type of anxious attachment style that is characterized by a belief in one’s own defectiveness and a difficulty accepting love and affection from others. This schema can influence how people feel about themselves and can affect the quality of their relationships.