Early maladaptive schema and self-control behaviour for individuals with bipolar disorder

Aims and objectives: Bipolar disorder is a severe and enduring mental illness with a high incidence of long-standing interpersonal and psychosocial difficulties that extend beyond the features of manic and depressive episodes. Research into the cognitive style of individuals with a dipolar disorder suggests depressogenic/optimistic attributional style, perfectionism, sociotropy, autonomy and maladaptive schemas play an important role in the disorder, and how individuals cope with it. The presence of early maladaptive schema (EMS) in the bipolar population has so far not been researched. The aim of the present study is to investigate what types of schema are pertinent for this group, and the relationship between schema and individuals' coping style (self-control behaviours).;Method: A within participant design involved 41 individuals with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder completing the Young Schema Questionnaire-short form, the Self-Control Behaviour Schedule, and the Internal State Scale. Data were analysed quantitatively using correlation and analysis of variance. EMS data were compared to normative EMS data.;Results: Self-Sacrifice and Unrelenting Standards were significantly prevalent for this sample. Emotional Deprivation was found to be present, but not significantly different from other EMS. There was a significant relationship between EMS and self-control behaviour.;Conclusions: The clinical and research implications for the psychological assessment and treatment of individuals with a bipolar disorder are discussed.