Interpersonal schemata in child psychotherapy: A cognitive-interpersonal perspective

Abstract

Presents a cognitive-interpersonal framework for child psychotherapy derived from attachment theory. Interpersonal schema, conceptualized as expectations regarding others' probable responses to the self are posited as a key mediating mechanism linking past interpersonal experience with current social-emotional functioning, and as an important target for intervention. Three schema-based models of pathogenic process are examined: preemptive information-processing, schema-triggered affect, and schema-primed interpersonal and emotion-regulation strategies. Implications for assessment of and intervention with interpersonal schema are considered. Preventive, compensatory, and remedial intervention strategies are proposed.