title: Social isolation schema responds to positive social experiences: longitudinal evidence from vulnerable populations.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Maladaptive schemas are stable cognitive working models of the world, learnt early in life, that interfere with effective functioning and underlie chronic mental illness. A major challenge for cognitive therapy has been how to modify schemas when they are so enduring and stable. We propose that because maladaptive schemas are formed through social experiences (typically abusive or neglectful ones), they might best be corrected through positive social experiences that directly challenge the schema.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two longitudinal studies were conducted, one with patients undergoing group cognitive-behavioural therapy (N = 92) and one with homeless individuals residing in temporary accommodation (N = 76).
  
  
  METHODS
  In each study, social isolation schema was measured at Time 1 and again at Time 2 following a group-based social experience (group psychotherapy or temporary residence at a community organization). A positive experience of group life was operationalized as social identification with the therapy group in Study 1 or the community organization in Study 2.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In both studies, social identification led to a significant reduction in social isolation schema. Study 2 indicated that these effects were fully mediated by the formation of ties to new social groups, such that social identification scaffolded the development of new group memberships, which in turn decreased the endorsement of maladaptive schema.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Social identification facilitates the correction of socially situated schema such as social isolation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Maladaptive schemas are modifiable in short-term therapy or even in community settings. The experience of being accepted and belonging to a social group can challenge a person's deep-seated belief that they are socially isolated. Positive social experiences may act as scaffolding to help socially isolated individuals build new social group memberships. Less positively, social isolation schema can also act as a feedback loop, preventing people from identifying with groups, resulting in a negative social experience that may further embed the schema. Further research is needed to determine how clinicians might facilitate social identification.
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: Tegan
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Cruwys
authors.forename: Genevieve A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Dingle
authors.forename: Matthew J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Hornsey
authors.forename: Jolanda
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jetten
authors.forename: Tian P S
authors.initials: TP
authors.lastname: Oei
authors.forename: Zoe C
authors.initials: ZC
authors.lastname: Walter
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001007:Anxiety / Q000628:therapy; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003863:Depression / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006798:Housing; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods*; D012933:Social Identification; D012934:Social Isolation / Q000523:psychology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D035862:Vulnerable Populations / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: cognitive theory; early maladaptive schemas; mental health; social identity; social isolation