- 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 Mistrust/Abuse Schema
The Mistrust/Abuse schema is a psychological concept that refers to a set of beliefs and expectations about relationships that can develop in response to early experiences of abuse or mistreatment. People with this schema may have a generalized mistrust of others and may expect to be mistreated or exploited in their relationships.
There are several key characteristics of the Mistrust/Abuse schema. These include:
- A belief that others are untrustworthy: People with this schema may believe that others are generally untrustworthy and cannot be relied upon to treat them with kindness or respect.
- A expectation of abuse or mistreatment: As a result of their mistrust, people with this schema may expect to be mistreated or exploited in their relationships and may be on guard for signs of abuse or manipulation.
- Difficulty forming close relationships: The mistrust and expectation of abuse may make it difficult for people with this schema to form close, intimate relationships with others.
- A tendency to blame oneself for negative experiences: People with the Mistrust/Abuse schema may blame themselves for the negative experiences they have had in relationships, even when they were not at fault.
The Mistrust/Abuse schema can have a significant impact on a person’s ability 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 Mistrust/Abuse Schema relate to Attachment Theory
The Mistrust/Abuse 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 Mistrust/Abuse schema can be thought of as a specific type of anxious attachment style that is characterized by a generalized mistrust of others and an expectation of abuse or mistreatment in relationships. This schema can influence how people behave in relationships and can affect the quality of their relationships.