The Dependence/Incompetence Schema

The Dependence/Incompetence schema is a psychological concept that refers to a set of beliefs and expectations about oneself and one’s ability to function independently that can develop in response to early experiences of being overly reliant on others or feeling incompetent. People with this schema may have a strong need for others to take care of them and may have difficulty feeling confident in their own abilities.

There are several key characteristics of the Dependence/Incompetence schema. These include:

1. A reliance on others: People with this schema may have a strong need for others to take care of them and may feel anxious or lost without the support of others.
2. Difficulty with independent functioning: The reliance on others may make it difficult for people with this schema to function independently and to feel confident in their own abilities.
3. A lack of self-confidence: The reliance on others and the difficulty with independent functioning may lead to a lack of self-confidence and a feeling of inadequacy.
4. Difficulty making decisions: The lack of self-confidence associated with this schema may make it difficult for people to make decisions and to assert themselves in situations.

The Dependence/Incompetence 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 Dependence/Incompetence Schema relate to Attachment Theory?

The Dependence/Incompetence schema is related to attachment theory, which is a psychological theory that explains how people form and maintain emotional bonds with others. According to attachment theory, people develop internal working models of attachment based on their early experiences with caregivers, which then shape their behavior in future relationships.

The Dependence/Incompetence 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 Dependence/Incompetence schema can be thought of as a specific type of anxious attachment style that is characterized by a strong reliance on others and a difficulty feeling confident in one’s own abilities. This schema can influence how people feel about themselves and can affect the quality of their relationships.