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Clinicians’ views on the clinical utility of a revised definition of schema and its implications for the treatment of depression

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 March 2014

Alan Howarth ,
Mark Freeston ,
Katharina Reichelt  and
Ian A. James
Alan Howarth*
Affiliation:
Northumberland Challenging Behaviour Service, St George's Park, Morpeth, UK
Mark Freeston
Affiliation:
Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University and Newcastle Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies Centre, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
Katharina Reichelt
Affiliation:
Newcastle Older Adult Psychology Service, Akenside Offices, Campus for Ageing & Vitality, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
Ian A. James
Affiliation:
Northumbria University and Newcastle Older Adult Psychology Service, Akenside Offices, Campus for Ageing & Vitality, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
*
*Author for correspondence: Dr A. Howarth, Clinical Psychologist, Northumberland Challenging Behaviour Service, West Wing, St George's Park, Morpeth, Northumberland NE61 2NU (email: [email protected])
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Abstract

The main objectives of this study were to compare the perceived utility of two definitions of schema (i.e. a standard Beckian vs. a revised definition). Fifty clinicians with varying degrees of training in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) received a presentation on the Beckian definition of schema before completing two questionnaires, one assessing the perceived utility of the definition, and another assessing the targets they would address in therapy and the techniques they would use to do so, using the Beckian definition. They then received a presentation on a revised definition before completing the questionnaires again; this time in relation to the revised definition. In a non-inferiority analysis the revised definition was rated as possessing not less clinical utility than the Beckian definition and was indeed rated higher. More targets and techniques were selected following the revised definition, relative to the Beckian definition. Further, there was a significant interaction between definition and targets and techniques selected, with a greater increase in the targets and techniques that are consistent with the revised definition. The results were independent of experience within mental health and practising CBT therapists. The revised definition was perceived to have clinical utility and the use of it in therapy would lead to a wider range of targets being addressed while using a wider range of clinical techniques. Importantly, those targets and techniques relate specifically to the revised definition. The implications of the results and future areas of research are discussed.

Keywords

Memorypsychologyschematherapist competence
Type
Original Research
Information
the Cognitive Behaviour Therapist , Volume 7 , December 2014 , e3
Copyright
Copyright © British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies 2014 

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