Cognitive schemas, defence mechanisms and post-traumatic stress symptomatology.
OBJECTIVE
To identify specific ego defences and core schemas involved in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology.


METHODS
Stepwise regression with predictor models generated from ego defences and core schema variables.


METHODS
Seventy-seven participants completed the Impact of Event Scale, the 40-item Defence Style Questionnaire and the Young Schema Questionnaire (short-form).


RESULTS
Four core schemas (Defectiveness, Dependency, Enmeshment and Failure) and three defence mechanisms (Splitting, Rationalization and Projection) were found to be significant predictors in PTSD symptomatology.


CONCLUSIONS
The identified core schema and ego defences are seen to be theoretically consistent with present cognitive and psychodynamic conceptualizations of PTSD. The implications for future research are discussed.
Price
Jason P
JP
South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust, Middlesbrough, UK. jason.price@stees.nhs.uk
D000328:Adult; D001364:Awareness; D017004:Codependency, Psychological; D003469:Culture; D003674:Defense Mechanisms; D003858:Dependency, Psychological; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D010555:Personality Inventory; D011575:Psychoanalytic Therapy; D012307:Risk Factors; D012649:Self Concept; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D014477:Underachievement