Early Maladaptive Schemas in a Sample of Airline Pilots seeking Residential Substance Use Treatment: An Initial Investigation.
BACKGROUND
Recent research has begun to examine the early maladaptive schemas of substance abusers, as it is believed that targeting these core beliefs in treatment may result in improved substance use outcomes. One special population that has received scant attention in the research literature, despite high levels of substance use, is airline pilots.


OBJECTIVE
The current study examined the early maladaptive schemas of a sample of airline pilots (n= 64) who were seeking residential treatment for alcohol dependence and whether they differed in early maladaptive schemas from non-pilot substance abusers who were also seeking residential treatment for alcohol dependence (n= 45).


METHODS
Pre-existing medical records from patients of a residential substance abuse treatment facility were reviewed for the current study.


RESULTS
Of the 18 early maladaptive schemas, results demonstrated that pilots scored higher than non-pilots on the early maladaptive schema of unrelenting standards (high internalized standards of behavior), whereas non-pilots scored higher on insufficient self-control (low frustration tolerance and self-control).


CONCLUSIONS
Early maladaptive schemas may be a relevant treatment target for substance abuse treatment seeking pilots and non-pilots.
University of Tennessee - Knoxville.
Ryan C
RC
Shorey
University of Tennessee - Knoxville.
Hope
H
Brasfield
Cornerstone of Recovery, Louisville, TN.
Scott
S
Anderson
University of Tennessee - Knoxville.
Gregory L
GL
Stuart
Substance use; airline; early maladaptive schemas; pilots