Suicidality in the Light of Schema Therapy Constructs, i.e., Early Maladaptive Schema and Schema Modes: A Longitudinal Study

(1) Background: The search for new strategies to diagnose people at risk of suicide and to help them is highly significant in view of the still high rate of suicidality. Schema therapy and its core constructs, i.e., early maladaptive schemas (EMSs) and schema modes, correspond to both directions. (2) Methods: This study compared the severity of EMSs and schema modes in a clinical group of suicide risk, a clinical non-suicidal group, and a control group. Intragroup comparisons were also conducted between times of crisis and psychological stability. The evaluation was supported by controlling for the psychopathological symptoms presented, following the dimensional concept. (3) Results: The unquestionable relevance of the disconnection/rejection domain in suicidality has been proven. The importance of EMSs from other domains, especially during psychiatric crises, was confirmed. Among the schema modes, child and Punitive Parent modes proved to be the most significant. There were changes in coping modes but of a lesser effect size. The protective importance of the Healthy Adult and Happy Child modes was also proven. (4) Conclusions: The results provide an indication for practitioners about the EMSs and schema modes most associated with suicide risk. They can also serve as a framework for deepening the issue of identifying and preventing suicidality in schema therapy.

Automated summary

The search for new strategies to diagnose people at risk of suicide and to help them is highly significant. Schema therapy and its core constructs are highly relevant in this regard. This study compared the severity of early maladaptive schemas (EMSs) and schema modes in different groups and found the importance of the disconnection/rejection domain in suicidality. Additionally, specific schema modes were identified as significant factors in suicide risk.