In common parlance, a schema is defined as either (1) a diagrammatic presentation or (2) a mental codification of experience that includes a particular organized way of perceiving cognitively and responding to a complex situation or set of stimuli. Both definitions imply a process.
The American Psychological Association defines schema in three ways:
1. A collection of basic knowledge about a concept or entity that serves as a guide to perception, interpretation, imagination, or problem solving.
For example, the schema “dorm room” suggests that a bed and a desk are probably part of the scene, that a microwave oven might or might not be, and that expensive Persian rugs probably will not be.
The process of categorizing the information one observes (perceives), makes sense of (interprets), conceives (imagines), or investigates (problem-solving) is what constitutes a schema. Thus, using the dorm room example, a schema uses the process of logic and reasoning.
Logic is defined as a science that deals with the principles and criteria of validity of inference and demonstration: the science of the formal principles of reasoning interrelation or sequence of facts or events when seen as inevitable or predictable.
Reason is defined as a statement offered in explanation or justification which serves as a rational ground or motive. Noteworthy, for a proposal (e.g., schematic belief) to be considered rational, it empirically must remain in accordance with both logic and reason.
For instance, when teaching Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) to others, I invite people to consider the use of syllogisms (a deductive scheme of formal argument) in order to assess for rationality. I’ll provide an example of a syllogism in a moment.
According to one source, inductive reasoning involves starting from specific premises and forming a general conclusion, while deductive reasoning involves using general premises to form a specific conclusion. Conclusions reached via deductive reasoning cannot be incorrect if the premises are true.
Syllogistic form (modus ponens) –
If p, then q; p; therefore, q.
Example –
If insurance companies want to make maximal profits, then denial of insurance coverage is a morally and ethically good manner in which to conduct business.
Insurance companies want to make maximal profits.
Therefore, denial of insurance coverage is a morally and ethically good manner in which to conduct business.
Bear in mind that when using a syllogism (deductive reasoning) the general premises in a proposition of this form will always lead to a specific conclusion. This is the case even when the premises aren’t true.
Although the insurance company premises follow logical form, I argue that many people would reject the reasoning (justification) upon which the conclusion is predicated. As such, one imagines that many individuals would consider the outcome an irrational conclusion.
Thus, where schemas are concerned, it’s important to understand that simply because one set of entities (i.e., insurance companies) consider a process to be logical and reasonable, another group of individuals may vehemently disagree with the proposed rationality of such a belief.
2. A cognitive structure representing a person’s knowledge about some entity or situation, including its qualities and the relationships between these. Schemas are usually abstractions that simplify a person’s world.
In 1932, Frederic C. Bartlett showed that past experiences are stored in memory as schemas; impressions of other people are also thought to be organized in this way.
Building upon the insurance company example, suppose that group X shares a similar schema (cognitive structure) regarding insurers functioning as little more than parasites on humanity. Given allegations of a relatively recent event, you may be familiar with the position of group X.
The presumed argument is: Government figures require insurance coverage and insurers immorally and unethically take advantage of their privileged position by denying coverage, defending their actions, and deposing those who wish to challenge the position of these companies.
Although group X may agree to the premises upon which their deductive reasoning conclusion is based, insurance companies Y may emphatically disagree—especially when (a) member(s) of their cohort is ostensibly killed due to a disagreement regarding syllogistic outcomes.
Simplified worldviews in the form of schemas may allow people to navigate life in a relatively quick fashion without a requirement to think deeply about concepts which comprise these cognitive processes. Still, these impressions may not well-serve societal interests and goals.
3. An outlook or assumption that an individual has of the self, others, or the world that endures despite objective reality. For example, “I am a damaged person” and “Anyone I trust will eventually hurt me” are negative schemas that may result from negative experiences in early childhood.
A goal of treatment, particularly stressed in cognitive therapy, is to help the client to develop more realistic, present-oriented schemas to replace those developed during childhood or through traumatic experiences.
When using psychoeducation to promote understanding of REBT, I differentiate between unhelpful and helpful beliefs – also called appraisals or evaluations – such as the example of the negative childhood experience above. In REBT, such schemas are called global evaluations.
These unhelpful valuations of the self, others, or the world form schematic cognitions related to self-downing, other-downing, and life-downing. Alternatively, helpful beliefs stemming from unconditional self-, other-, and life-acceptance may better serve one’s own interests and goals.
In addition to teaching people about how unhelpful schemas influence cognitions, emotions, bodily sensations, and behavior, I invite individuals to consider that what they deem as meaningful is often interwoven with their schematic worldview. According to one source:
[T]he human mind works as a meaning-making machine, and mental disorders emerge when the normal cognitive structures used to make sense of the world distort reality to an extent that is no longer adaptive. These meaning-making structures are called cognitive schemas.
Whereas helpful or adaptive cognitive schemas may serve you well, unhelpful or maladaptive schemas may not. Herein, I’ve described what schemas are, how they’re formed, and advocated use of healthy versus unhealthy cognitive processes of this sort.
If you’re looking for a provider who tries to work to help understand how thinking impacts physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral elements of your life—helping you to sharpen your critical thinking skills, I invite you to reach out today by using the contact widget on my website.
As a psychotherapist, I’m pleased to try to help people with an assortment of issues ranging from anger (hostility, rage, and aggression) to relational issues, adjustment matters, trauma experience, justice involvement, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and depression, and other mood or personality-related matters.
At Hollings Therapy, LLC, serving all of Texas, I aim to treat clients with dignity and respect while offering a multi-lensed approach to the practice of psychotherapy and life coaching. My mission includes: Prioritizing the cognitive and emotive needs of clients, an overall reduction in client suffering, and supporting sustainable growth for the clients I serve. Rather than simply trying to help you to feel better, I want to try to help you get better!
Deric Hollings, LPC, LCSW
References:
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