A comparative study of patients and therapists' reports of schema modes

Abstract

The current study assesses whether patients and therapists report similar levels of schema modes, one of the central features in Schema-Focused Therapy. Patient's self-report and therapists' report on an abbreviated Schema Mode Inventory were compared in a sample of 92 patients with antisocial, borderline or cluster C personality disorder. Results indicate a markedly stronger self-therapist discrepancy in mode rating in antisocial patients than in borderline and cluster C patients. Compared to their therapists, ASPD-patients report less presence of most maladaptive modes, whereas there was no difference in adaptive modes. These findings underscore the importance for the use of alternative assessment methods of cognitive concepts in antisocial patients.