POSTER PRESENTATIONS
| Saturday, June 1, 2024 |
| 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM |
| Ground floor - Ballroom Foyer Area |
Overview
Poster Presentations
Details
PLEASE NOTE THAT DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES, MOST OF THE POSTER PRESENTATIONS WILL NOW BE ONLINE
ONLINE - Schema Modes in Eating Disorders and Obesity: A Network Approach
Eduarda Zorgi Salvador
Eating Disorders (EDs) are a category of mental disorders characterized by severe and persistent alterations in individuals' eating behavior and weight. Obesity is recognized as a global epidemic, with the number of affected individuals steadily rising over the years. Despite obesity is not classified as an eating disorder, there is a notable prevalence of obese patients exhibiting binge eating disorder, with nearly 30% of individuals seeking treatment for obesity meeting the diagnostic criteria for binge eating disorder. ED population presents greater amounts of dysfunctional Schema Modes and more Early Maladaptive Schemas. However, despite the existing evidence linking eating disorders and schema modes, there is still a lack of substantial literature on the multifaceted association between these variables. The objective of the present study was to investigate the structure (conditional dependencies) and dynamics (expected influence) of schema modes in the context of ED and obesity. Then, we also compare those parameters in clinical groups formed by participants with diagnostic of eating disorder and psychiatric disorder.The sample was drawn from the general population, comprising 71.3% females (n = 408) and 28.7% males (n = 164). Furthermore, 16.4% (n = 77) had a family income of up to 3 minimum wages, 22.6% (n = 106) had a family income of up to 5 minimum wages, 28.4% (n = 133) had a family income ranging from 5 to 10 minimum wages, and 32.4% (n = 152) had a family income exceeding 10 minimum wages. Notably, 87% of the individuals had a history of psychotherapy or psychiatric treatment. Network analysis was used to model conditional associations between Schema modes, in the context of eating disorders and obesity. Results provide evidence that EDO, SA, AC, and IC are highly influential modes when whole sample were analyzed. When comparing groups by eating disorder or obesity diagnostic and psychiatric disorder diagnostic, SA, DP, DM, BA, and EDO are more influential modes in clinical groups. The exploratory model about modes's architecture and dynamics may lead to potential contributions to clinical practice with eating disorder and obesity clinical groups. In conclusion, this study sheds light on the complex relationship between Eating Disorders (EDs), obesity, and schema modes. While obesity itself is not categorized as an eating disorder, a substantial proportion of individuals seeking treatment for obesity meet the diagnostic criteria for binge eating disorder. The research also highlights that individuals with EDs exhibit a greater prevalence of dysfunctional schema modes. Despite existing evidence, there remains a gap in the literature concerning the multifaceted association between these variables.
TBC ONLINE - THE IMPACT OF UNMET EMOTIONAL NEEDS ON USERS OF PSYCHOACTIVE SUBSTANCES: ABUSES AND TRAUMAS IN THE CURRENT WELL-BEING
Rodrigo Trapp
The Schema Therapy (ST), recognizing the universal basic emotional needs that permeate all individuals, including security, stability, care and acceptance, autonomy, competence and identity, highlights the importance of these whose intensity varies for each person. Unmet emotional needs in individuals with Substance Use Disorder (SUD) represent a significant vulnerability to substance use and may impair treatment adherence. These needs, based mainly on childhood, play a central role in moments of vulnerability and exert a significant influence on psychological health. Deepening the understanding of the relationship between unmet emotional experiences such as trauma and abuse, the use of psychoactive substances and current well-being is fundamental to provide effective support and intervention strategies, thus contributing to the well-being be global of individuals. In addition, ST aims to help adults meet their own needs, even if they have not been met in the past.
Aim:To deepen the understanding of the relationship between unmet emotional experiences, such as trauma and abuse, use of psychoactive substances and current well-being.
Sample: Data from 2.155 users of multiple substances of the Álvaro Alvim Unit (HCPA) in the RGS/Brazil and CAPSad of six Brazilian states between 2011 and 2022 were analyzed, and the final sample consisted of 1.560 individuals. The ASI-6 scale was used a multidimensional semi-structured interview that analyzed the influence of substance consumption on participants' lives in seven areas of operation.
Method: Association test of the linear-by-linear chi-square between the Impact on Current well-being and trauma.
Results: The analysis of the results showed an important and statistically significant association between different types of traumatic experiences and the impact on the current well-being of participants with SUD. Those who reported "Nothing" of impact on current well-being had notably lower percentages of association with various types of trauma: physical abuse (42.6%), sexual abuse (8.2%), having been a victim of beating or aggression (35.5%), life risk (51.6%) testimony of severe violence (65.9%). In contrast, participants who described their impact on current well-being as "Extremely" showed significantly higher associations with these traumatic experiences: physical abuse (66.7%), sexual abuse (21.0%), victimization in violent crimes (58.1%) risk of life (63.9%), and testimony of severe violence (86.0%). All these associations were statistically significant with p < 0.001 values, highlighting the adverse influence of these traumatic events on the current well-being of the participants.
Conclusion: Statistical analysis revealed a significant link between different traumatic experiences and the impact on the current well-being of individuals with TUS. Those who reported no impact on well-being had lower associations with trauma, while those who described an extremely negative impact had higher associations. This highlights the importance of addressing trauma in treating individuals with SUD to improve their well-being. This knowledge is critical to promoting mental health and the development of the healthy adult mode, including the adoption of more adaptive thoughts and behaviors, as well as the development of skills necessary for adult life. This underscores the importance of intervention programs that recognize and meet the specific needs of these individuals.
ONLINE - The relationship between Early Maladaptive Schemas and the development of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and associated subtypes.
Karen Kirby & Mary McGlinley
There is a plethora of research which suggests a significant relationship between Early Maladaptive Schemas (EMS’s) and the development of mental health disorders. The literature suggests EMSs are associated with the development of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). However, few cross-sectional studies have examined correlations between specific EMS’s and obsessive-compulsive disorder; and to the authors knowledge, only one previous study has examined the relationship between specific EMS’s and specific obsessive-compulsive disorder subtypes. The current research aimed to address knowledge gaps by exploring whether there is a relationship between specific EMS’s and obsessive-compulsive disorder, and specific EMS’s and obsessive-compulsive disorder subtypes.
A quantitative cross-sectional survey was used for data collection so that the relationship between EMS’s and OCD, and OCD subtypes could be explored. The data from 103 participants (78% female, 17% male) between the ages of 18 and 69 was examined. The variables that were analysed were the EMS’s: mistrust/abuse, emotional deprivation, defectiveness/shame, social isolation, failure, and vulnerability to harm; and OCD across the subtypes: hoarding, checking, neutralising, ordering, washing, and obsessing.
Multiple linear regressions demonstrated a statistically significant relationship between EMS’s and obsessive-compulsive disorder. However, only the schema, “vulnerability to harm” significantly predicted OCD. Furthermore, a significant relationship between specific EMS’s and OCD subtypes was found. Specifically, it was found that the schema, “vulnerability to harm” was significantly associated with the OCD subtypes; hoarding, checking, ordering, neutralising, washing, and obsessing. Furthermore, it was found that the OCD subtype, obsessing, was significantly predicted by the schema, “social isolation”; and the OCD subtype, ordering, was significantly predicted by the schema, “mistrust/abuse”.
The current study has provided evidence that there is a significant relationship between EMS’s and i) obsessive-compulsive disorder, and ii) obsessive-compulsive disorder subtypes. These findings could influence clinical practice, specifically prevention initiatives, and could be implemented in the diagnosis, formulation, and treatment of OCD.
IN PERSON - nCompass
Paula Stroian
Given the high prevalence of depression, the need for increasing treatment accessibility for this psychological problem is evident. The aim of this study was to test the feasibility, acceptability and outcomes of nCompass, a brief self-help ST-enhanced behavioral activation program for depressive symptoms. 144 participants, recruited online, scoring 14 or higher on the Beck Depression Inventory, were enrolled in either the 15-day mobile program or an active control (psychoeducation) group. Participants filled in instruments assessing depressive symptoms, self-compassion, maladaptive coping and well-being at baseline, immediately following the program and at a two-week follow-up. Participants in the nCompass group also filled in acceptability measures at post-test. Out of the 72 participants allocated to the nCompass group, 45 (62,5%) completed the intervention. The nCompass intervention was found to be acceptable, with the majority of participants rating it high or very high on most dimensions. Significant improvements were found in terms of depressive symptoms and Surrender coping in the nCompass group, compared to the active control. The effects of the mobile intervention on depressive symptoms were explained by reductions in Surrender coping. The results point to the utility of the nCompass intervention for individuals with depression, in terms of decreasing symptomatology and maladaptive coping. Furthermore, the high acceptability rates suggest that nCompass can be an attractive treatment option for depressed individuals.
IN PERSON - Neuroticism - its mediating role between early maladaptive schemas and negative emotionality
Małgorzata Łysiak
The study contributes to the understanding of the relation between neuroticism, early maladaptive schemas and negative emotionality. Various studies of schemas and neuroticism with the connection of negative emotionality do not give an answer to the question how these three variables co-exist with each other. The main purpose of the research was whether neuroticism strengthens the effect of schemas in the prediction of intensity of anxiety and depression, or whether the role of these variables is independent of each other.
493 healthy participants were included in the study, where 66% were female respondents aged between 16-61 years of age (M= 31, SD=11.96). The Young Schema Questionnaire Short Form Version (YSQ-S3), The Revised Personality Inventory (NEO PI-R) by Costa and McCrae and The Personality Inventory (SPI, TPI by Spielberger & Reheiser) were used. The results show a strong relationship between Rejection and Disconnection schemas and negative emotionality, strongly mediated by neuroticism. The trigger for the trait of neuroticism is the intensification of depressive traits, understood as a set of emotional symptoms, i.e. a high level of anxiety, experiencing frequent anger towards oneself, and simultaneously a strong sense of guilt for negative thoughts resulting in a sense of hopelessness.
Most of the problems leading to anxiety or depression symptoms originate in schemas of Rejection and Disconnection and neuroticism is a strong mediator for negative emotionality.
IN PERSON: The schema and schema modes associated with prolonged grief symptoms: How our schemas and schema modes impact on our experience of grief
Liam Spicer
Background Research has demonstrated that 7 to 10% of the bereaved population experiences a more complicated form of grief referred to as prolonged grief disorder (PGD) (Aoun et al., 2015). PGD may last for years without improvement and has been associated with numerous mental health, social, and occupational difficulties. To understand this grief response, research has examined factors associated with the likelihood of developing PGD after the death of a significant other. These factors include childhood trauma, prior loss, insecure attachment, and the nature of the relationship with the deceased (He et al., 2014; Schaal et al., 2010). Some preliminary research has also demonstrated that our schemas may impact our experience of grief (Thimm & Holand, 2016); however, the impact of our schema modes has not been investigated. Methods 224 participants started the questionnaire, with 100 included in the final analysis (Age: 19-78, M = 40.6, 88% Women, 69% Australian). Time since death ranged from 1 month to 62 years, and 27% met the full PGD criteria. Participants completed the Young Schema Questionnaire-Revised, Schema Mode Inventory, and Prolonged Grief Inventory-13. Results The most significant correlations between prolonged grief and schemas occurred for the following schemas: enmeshment, vulnerability to harm, self-sacrifice, fear of losing control (p < .001), and subjugation and dependence (p < .01). Regression analyses revealed the following: - Demographics (age, gender, type, time since, and age of death) explain 15% of the variance in prolonged grief, with the age of death being the most significant predictor. - Inclusion of all schema’s increases explained variance to 45%, with enmeshment, vulnerability to harm, self-sacrifice, fear of losing control, subjugation, and dependence being significant predictors (p < .001). - Inclusion of all modes increases explained variance to 60%, with vulnerable child, detached protector and self-soother, punitive and demanding parent, and compliant surrender all being significant predictors (p < .001). Mediation and moderation analyses for all six schemas (enmeshment, vulnerability to harm, self-sacrifice, fear of losing control, subjugation, dependence) showed significant direct effects, demonstrating higher schema scores are associated with higher prolonged grief scores. Vulnerable child, coping modes, and maladaptive parent modes all showed significant mediation effects, demonstrating their strong influence on the relationship between schemas and prolonged grief, with all moderate effect sizes. Happy child mode (p < .005) and healthy adult mode (p < .05) revealed a significant negative relationship with prolonged grief, with higher healthy mode scores associated with lower prolonged grief. The happy child mode, in particular, showed a large effect (-4.451). Both modes demonstrated mediating roles, indicating the presence of these modes may have a potentially protective effect. Moderated mediation analysis showed that the presence of healthy modes reduces the negative impact of the vulnerable child, coping modes, and parent modes on the relationship between schemas and prolonged grief, with a moderate effect size. Conclusion This research is the first of its kind worldwide to explore the relationship between our schemas, schema modes, and their impact on grief symptoms. It provides greater understanding of risk factors and informs the development of clinical interventions. Key implications from the research include: - Assessment: Monitoring for prolonged grief in bereaved individuals with high-risk schema and mode patterns. - Schemas: Focusing on key associated schemas and their intersection with grief (e.g., addressing self-sacrificing needs in grief, promoting autonomous identity to address feelings of enmeshment and dependence). - Coping and Parent Modes: Working with detached modes that may block processing of the grief and parent modes that may block adjustment to the loss in therapy, with the detached protector being a possible key mode of focus. - Vulnerable Child: Identified as the most impactful mode, indicating potential need to work on past childhood experiences in addition to the loss. - Healthy Modes: Building up and utilizing healthy modes may assist in schema therapy for grief, creating meaning and connection beyond the loss, and connecting with the happy child and healthy adult grief processes. Impact Statement Findings from this research may culminate in clinical recommendations to improve outcomes for individuals with prolonged grief and better inform evidence-based treatment decisions in clinical practice. This research will be followed by the development of schema therapy for prolonged grief treatment. Due to the projected increases in the prevalence of PGD (Eisma et al., 2020), the development of effective treatment approaches tailored to a client’s needs is of great importance.
Eduarda Zorgi Salvador
Eating Disorders (EDs) are a category of mental disorders characterized by severe and persistent alterations in individuals' eating behavior and weight. Obesity is recognized as a global epidemic, with the number of affected individuals steadily rising over the years. Despite obesity is not classified as an eating disorder, there is a notable prevalence of obese patients exhibiting binge eating disorder, with nearly 30% of individuals seeking treatment for obesity meeting the diagnostic criteria for binge eating disorder. ED population presents greater amounts of dysfunctional Schema Modes and more Early Maladaptive Schemas. However, despite the existing evidence linking eating disorders and schema modes, there is still a lack of substantial literature on the multifaceted association between these variables. The objective of the present study was to investigate the structure (conditional dependencies) and dynamics (expected influence) of schema modes in the context of ED and obesity. Then, we also compare those parameters in clinical groups formed by participants with diagnostic of eating disorder and psychiatric disorder.The sample was drawn from the general population, comprising 71.3% females (n = 408) and 28.7% males (n = 164). Furthermore, 16.4% (n = 77) had a family income of up to 3 minimum wages, 22.6% (n = 106) had a family income of up to 5 minimum wages, 28.4% (n = 133) had a family income ranging from 5 to 10 minimum wages, and 32.4% (n = 152) had a family income exceeding 10 minimum wages. Notably, 87% of the individuals had a history of psychotherapy or psychiatric treatment. Network analysis was used to model conditional associations between Schema modes, in the context of eating disorders and obesity. Results provide evidence that EDO, SA, AC, and IC are highly influential modes when whole sample were analyzed. When comparing groups by eating disorder or obesity diagnostic and psychiatric disorder diagnostic, SA, DP, DM, BA, and EDO are more influential modes in clinical groups. The exploratory model about modes's architecture and dynamics may lead to potential contributions to clinical practice with eating disorder and obesity clinical groups. In conclusion, this study sheds light on the complex relationship between Eating Disorders (EDs), obesity, and schema modes. While obesity itself is not categorized as an eating disorder, a substantial proportion of individuals seeking treatment for obesity meet the diagnostic criteria for binge eating disorder. The research also highlights that individuals with EDs exhibit a greater prevalence of dysfunctional schema modes. Despite existing evidence, there remains a gap in the literature concerning the multifaceted association between these variables.
TBC ONLINE - THE IMPACT OF UNMET EMOTIONAL NEEDS ON USERS OF PSYCHOACTIVE SUBSTANCES: ABUSES AND TRAUMAS IN THE CURRENT WELL-BEING
Rodrigo Trapp
The Schema Therapy (ST), recognizing the universal basic emotional needs that permeate all individuals, including security, stability, care and acceptance, autonomy, competence and identity, highlights the importance of these whose intensity varies for each person. Unmet emotional needs in individuals with Substance Use Disorder (SUD) represent a significant vulnerability to substance use and may impair treatment adherence. These needs, based mainly on childhood, play a central role in moments of vulnerability and exert a significant influence on psychological health. Deepening the understanding of the relationship between unmet emotional experiences such as trauma and abuse, the use of psychoactive substances and current well-being is fundamental to provide effective support and intervention strategies, thus contributing to the well-being be global of individuals. In addition, ST aims to help adults meet their own needs, even if they have not been met in the past.
Aim:To deepen the understanding of the relationship between unmet emotional experiences, such as trauma and abuse, use of psychoactive substances and current well-being.
Sample: Data from 2.155 users of multiple substances of the Álvaro Alvim Unit (HCPA) in the RGS/Brazil and CAPSad of six Brazilian states between 2011 and 2022 were analyzed, and the final sample consisted of 1.560 individuals. The ASI-6 scale was used a multidimensional semi-structured interview that analyzed the influence of substance consumption on participants' lives in seven areas of operation.
Method: Association test of the linear-by-linear chi-square between the Impact on Current well-being and trauma.
Results: The analysis of the results showed an important and statistically significant association between different types of traumatic experiences and the impact on the current well-being of participants with SUD. Those who reported "Nothing" of impact on current well-being had notably lower percentages of association with various types of trauma: physical abuse (42.6%), sexual abuse (8.2%), having been a victim of beating or aggression (35.5%), life risk (51.6%) testimony of severe violence (65.9%). In contrast, participants who described their impact on current well-being as "Extremely" showed significantly higher associations with these traumatic experiences: physical abuse (66.7%), sexual abuse (21.0%), victimization in violent crimes (58.1%) risk of life (63.9%), and testimony of severe violence (86.0%). All these associations were statistically significant with p < 0.001 values, highlighting the adverse influence of these traumatic events on the current well-being of the participants.
Conclusion: Statistical analysis revealed a significant link between different traumatic experiences and the impact on the current well-being of individuals with TUS. Those who reported no impact on well-being had lower associations with trauma, while those who described an extremely negative impact had higher associations. This highlights the importance of addressing trauma in treating individuals with SUD to improve their well-being. This knowledge is critical to promoting mental health and the development of the healthy adult mode, including the adoption of more adaptive thoughts and behaviors, as well as the development of skills necessary for adult life. This underscores the importance of intervention programs that recognize and meet the specific needs of these individuals.
ONLINE - The relationship between Early Maladaptive Schemas and the development of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and associated subtypes.
Karen Kirby & Mary McGlinley
There is a plethora of research which suggests a significant relationship between Early Maladaptive Schemas (EMS’s) and the development of mental health disorders. The literature suggests EMSs are associated with the development of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). However, few cross-sectional studies have examined correlations between specific EMS’s and obsessive-compulsive disorder; and to the authors knowledge, only one previous study has examined the relationship between specific EMS’s and specific obsessive-compulsive disorder subtypes. The current research aimed to address knowledge gaps by exploring whether there is a relationship between specific EMS’s and obsessive-compulsive disorder, and specific EMS’s and obsessive-compulsive disorder subtypes.
A quantitative cross-sectional survey was used for data collection so that the relationship between EMS’s and OCD, and OCD subtypes could be explored. The data from 103 participants (78% female, 17% male) between the ages of 18 and 69 was examined. The variables that were analysed were the EMS’s: mistrust/abuse, emotional deprivation, defectiveness/shame, social isolation, failure, and vulnerability to harm; and OCD across the subtypes: hoarding, checking, neutralising, ordering, washing, and obsessing.
Multiple linear regressions demonstrated a statistically significant relationship between EMS’s and obsessive-compulsive disorder. However, only the schema, “vulnerability to harm” significantly predicted OCD. Furthermore, a significant relationship between specific EMS’s and OCD subtypes was found. Specifically, it was found that the schema, “vulnerability to harm” was significantly associated with the OCD subtypes; hoarding, checking, ordering, neutralising, washing, and obsessing. Furthermore, it was found that the OCD subtype, obsessing, was significantly predicted by the schema, “social isolation”; and the OCD subtype, ordering, was significantly predicted by the schema, “mistrust/abuse”.
The current study has provided evidence that there is a significant relationship between EMS’s and i) obsessive-compulsive disorder, and ii) obsessive-compulsive disorder subtypes. These findings could influence clinical practice, specifically prevention initiatives, and could be implemented in the diagnosis, formulation, and treatment of OCD.
IN PERSON - nCompass
Paula Stroian
Given the high prevalence of depression, the need for increasing treatment accessibility for this psychological problem is evident. The aim of this study was to test the feasibility, acceptability and outcomes of nCompass, a brief self-help ST-enhanced behavioral activation program for depressive symptoms. 144 participants, recruited online, scoring 14 or higher on the Beck Depression Inventory, were enrolled in either the 15-day mobile program or an active control (psychoeducation) group. Participants filled in instruments assessing depressive symptoms, self-compassion, maladaptive coping and well-being at baseline, immediately following the program and at a two-week follow-up. Participants in the nCompass group also filled in acceptability measures at post-test. Out of the 72 participants allocated to the nCompass group, 45 (62,5%) completed the intervention. The nCompass intervention was found to be acceptable, with the majority of participants rating it high or very high on most dimensions. Significant improvements were found in terms of depressive symptoms and Surrender coping in the nCompass group, compared to the active control. The effects of the mobile intervention on depressive symptoms were explained by reductions in Surrender coping. The results point to the utility of the nCompass intervention for individuals with depression, in terms of decreasing symptomatology and maladaptive coping. Furthermore, the high acceptability rates suggest that nCompass can be an attractive treatment option for depressed individuals.
IN PERSON - Neuroticism - its mediating role between early maladaptive schemas and negative emotionality
Małgorzata Łysiak
The study contributes to the understanding of the relation between neuroticism, early maladaptive schemas and negative emotionality. Various studies of schemas and neuroticism with the connection of negative emotionality do not give an answer to the question how these three variables co-exist with each other. The main purpose of the research was whether neuroticism strengthens the effect of schemas in the prediction of intensity of anxiety and depression, or whether the role of these variables is independent of each other.
493 healthy participants were included in the study, where 66% were female respondents aged between 16-61 years of age (M= 31, SD=11.96). The Young Schema Questionnaire Short Form Version (YSQ-S3), The Revised Personality Inventory (NEO PI-R) by Costa and McCrae and The Personality Inventory (SPI, TPI by Spielberger & Reheiser) were used. The results show a strong relationship between Rejection and Disconnection schemas and negative emotionality, strongly mediated by neuroticism. The trigger for the trait of neuroticism is the intensification of depressive traits, understood as a set of emotional symptoms, i.e. a high level of anxiety, experiencing frequent anger towards oneself, and simultaneously a strong sense of guilt for negative thoughts resulting in a sense of hopelessness.
Most of the problems leading to anxiety or depression symptoms originate in schemas of Rejection and Disconnection and neuroticism is a strong mediator for negative emotionality.
IN PERSON: The schema and schema modes associated with prolonged grief symptoms: How our schemas and schema modes impact on our experience of grief
Liam Spicer
Background Research has demonstrated that 7 to 10% of the bereaved population experiences a more complicated form of grief referred to as prolonged grief disorder (PGD) (Aoun et al., 2015). PGD may last for years without improvement and has been associated with numerous mental health, social, and occupational difficulties. To understand this grief response, research has examined factors associated with the likelihood of developing PGD after the death of a significant other. These factors include childhood trauma, prior loss, insecure attachment, and the nature of the relationship with the deceased (He et al., 2014; Schaal et al., 2010). Some preliminary research has also demonstrated that our schemas may impact our experience of grief (Thimm & Holand, 2016); however, the impact of our schema modes has not been investigated. Methods 224 participants started the questionnaire, with 100 included in the final analysis (Age: 19-78, M = 40.6, 88% Women, 69% Australian). Time since death ranged from 1 month to 62 years, and 27% met the full PGD criteria. Participants completed the Young Schema Questionnaire-Revised, Schema Mode Inventory, and Prolonged Grief Inventory-13. Results The most significant correlations between prolonged grief and schemas occurred for the following schemas: enmeshment, vulnerability to harm, self-sacrifice, fear of losing control (p < .001), and subjugation and dependence (p < .01). Regression analyses revealed the following: - Demographics (age, gender, type, time since, and age of death) explain 15% of the variance in prolonged grief, with the age of death being the most significant predictor. - Inclusion of all schema’s increases explained variance to 45%, with enmeshment, vulnerability to harm, self-sacrifice, fear of losing control, subjugation, and dependence being significant predictors (p < .001). - Inclusion of all modes increases explained variance to 60%, with vulnerable child, detached protector and self-soother, punitive and demanding parent, and compliant surrender all being significant predictors (p < .001). Mediation and moderation analyses for all six schemas (enmeshment, vulnerability to harm, self-sacrifice, fear of losing control, subjugation, dependence) showed significant direct effects, demonstrating higher schema scores are associated with higher prolonged grief scores. Vulnerable child, coping modes, and maladaptive parent modes all showed significant mediation effects, demonstrating their strong influence on the relationship between schemas and prolonged grief, with all moderate effect sizes. Happy child mode (p < .005) and healthy adult mode (p < .05) revealed a significant negative relationship with prolonged grief, with higher healthy mode scores associated with lower prolonged grief. The happy child mode, in particular, showed a large effect (-4.451). Both modes demonstrated mediating roles, indicating the presence of these modes may have a potentially protective effect. Moderated mediation analysis showed that the presence of healthy modes reduces the negative impact of the vulnerable child, coping modes, and parent modes on the relationship between schemas and prolonged grief, with a moderate effect size. Conclusion This research is the first of its kind worldwide to explore the relationship between our schemas, schema modes, and their impact on grief symptoms. It provides greater understanding of risk factors and informs the development of clinical interventions. Key implications from the research include: - Assessment: Monitoring for prolonged grief in bereaved individuals with high-risk schema and mode patterns. - Schemas: Focusing on key associated schemas and their intersection with grief (e.g., addressing self-sacrificing needs in grief, promoting autonomous identity to address feelings of enmeshment and dependence). - Coping and Parent Modes: Working with detached modes that may block processing of the grief and parent modes that may block adjustment to the loss in therapy, with the detached protector being a possible key mode of focus. - Vulnerable Child: Identified as the most impactful mode, indicating potential need to work on past childhood experiences in addition to the loss. - Healthy Modes: Building up and utilizing healthy modes may assist in schema therapy for grief, creating meaning and connection beyond the loss, and connecting with the happy child and healthy adult grief processes. Impact Statement Findings from this research may culminate in clinical recommendations to improve outcomes for individuals with prolonged grief and better inform evidence-based treatment decisions in clinical practice. This research will be followed by the development of schema therapy for prolonged grief treatment. Due to the projected increases in the prevalence of PGD (Eisma et al., 2020), the development of effective treatment approaches tailored to a client’s needs is of great importance.
Speaker
Martin Esters
Artistic Director and Trainer
Fast-Forward-Theatre
Conference Poetry with Fast Forward Theatre (IN PERSON)
Biography
Martin Esters has lived in Marburg, near Frankfurt, Germany, since the mid-90s with a few interruptions (Dijon/France, London/England, Kei Lun Tsuen/Hong Kong). He studied in Germany and London, M.A. in Media Studies, further German and English Studies and Computer Science. He is a Co-founder and artistic director of Fast Forward Theatre. Together with his colleague Antje Kessler Martin performs improvised theatre as mirror theatre at congresses, conferences and corporate events as well as on public stages, and he teaches methods of improvisation to theatre ensembles, companies and in personal coaching. With several of his short dramas, he is a prizewinner of the annual "Marburg Short Drama Competition" (2006–2012).
The Fast Forward Theatre is known for sensitive, precise and constructive, and at the same time highly entertaining scenic implementation of conference and congress events. To the point, to the topic. The play scenes reflect the experiences of the audience, create new possibilities, and place the familiar in a new context. Entertain and create perspectives at the same time.
The actors of the Fast Forward Theatre are actors, scriptwriters and directors at the same time. They develop the "script" for the scene live as they play. Fluent, flexible, and in contact with the audience.
Antje Kessler
Trainer and Organisation
Fast-Forward-Theatre
Conference Poetry with Fast Forward Theatre
Biography
Karen Kirby
Ulster University
ONLINE POSTER - The relationship between Early Maladaptive Schemas and the development of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and associated subtypes.
Biography
Dr Karen Kirby is a Senior Lecturer, researcher and Practitioner Psychologist who teaches, researches and practices Schema Therapy, CBT and family therapy. She has 20 years of experience, and has published research which attempts to explain how various mental health conditions develop in young people (using schema formation and formulation), complex trauma and trauma informed approaches. She has a small private practice, working with clients who have experienced complex /developmental trauma.
PhD Małgorzata Łysiak
Assistant Professor
Catholic University of Lublin
IN PERSON POSTER - Neuroticism - its mediating role between early maladaptive schemas and negative emotionality
Biography
Małgorzata Łysiak – PhD, assistant professor of psychology at The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Clinical Psychology Department. Her main scientific interests concern personality, dialogicality and psychotherapeutic methods, especially cognitive-behavioral approach. She is CBT and schema therapist, specializing in work with adolescents and adults.
Liam Spicer
Emdr Integrative, Curtin University, University Of Tasmania
IN PERSON POSTER - The schema and schema modes associated with prolonged grief symptoms: How our schemas and schema modes impact on our experience of grief
Biography
Liam Spicer is a Psychologist, Academic and Researcher based in Tasmania, Australia. He is an EMDR Consultant and Training Facilitator, and works in private practice with children, adolescents, and adults. Liam is actively involved in both training and research in the areas of trauma, grief, suicide, alexithymia, neurodivergence, EMDR, and schema therapy. He recently contributed to the International Handbook of Child and Adolescent Grief and has published in peer reviewed journal articles. He has published in the area of Schema Therapy and has is the lead researcher/author on two current projects including a qualitative exploration of schema therapists confidence and the impact on their therapeutic work, and the schemas and modes of neurodivergent individuals. Liam’s current PHD at Curtin University, Perth is focused on the use of Schema Therapy for Prolonged Grief. This involves exploring the schemas and modes in those with prolonged grief, interviewing schema therapy and grief experts to inform the development of a schema therapy for grief intervention, and also testing a schema therapy for prolonged grief intervention through a case series design. Liam has recently published in the ISST bulletin on the application of Schema Therapy for Prolonged Grief. He has presented at various national conferences and events, and he currently holds a position at the University of Tasmania teaching clinical psychology skills to students.
Rodrigo Trapp
Phd Student
UFRGS
ONLINE POSTER - The Impact Of Unmet Emotional Needs On Users Of Psychoactive Substances: Abuses And Traumas In The Current Well-being
Biography
Eduarda Zorgi Salvador
Psychologist and master's student
Pucrs
ONLINE POSTER - Schema Modes in Eating Disorders and Obesity: A Network Approach
Biography
Clinical psychologist holding a degree from the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS). She is currently a CAPES scholarship master's student at PUCRS, affiliated with the Well-Being and Psychological Assessment (ABES) research group under the supervision of Professor Wagner de Lara Machado. She is undergoing schema therapy training with Wainer. Her practice primarily involves cognitive-behavioral therapy and schema therapy, and she provides services to both adolescents and adults.
