Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects
Date of Degree
9-2019
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Program
Psychology
Advisor
Peggilee Wupperman
Committee Members
Michele Galietta
Keith Markus
Robert Leahy
Edward Selby
Subject Categories
Clinical Psychology
Keywords
emotional schemas, psychoemotional functioning, emotion processing, emotion regulation, behavior regulation
Abstract
Recent advancements in emotion theory propose that emotional schemas – individualized conceptualizations and beliefs about emotions – serve a fundamental function in guiding psychoemotional processes. These advancements have progressed alongside the development of third-wave therapies, which presume emotional schemas to be deeply involved in perpetuating psychological distress and emotional dysfunction. To critically assess the validity of this presumption, the current research proposed and evaluated an integrative model of psychoemotional functioning.
Two studies were completed using a combination of behavioral, performance-based, and self-report measures of emotional schemas and psychoemotional functioning. Though further research is needed, results suggest the integrated model of psychoemotional functioning may have viability as a clinically relevant tool to organize and guide research in this area. The model suggests complex interrelations between maladaptive emotional schemas, emotion-processing deficits, avoidant coping, emotion-regulation ineffectiveness, and behavioral dysregulation, with emotional schemas playing a key role in guiding psychoemotional experience and functioning. Given the centrality of emotional schemas and psychoemotional functioning in third-wave therapies, the proposed model may inform future research on mechanisms of change in these treatments. The model may also be used to inform the development of novel intervention strategies to improve psychoemotional functioning.
Recommended Citation
Edwards, Emily Rachel, "Assessment of Third Wave Therapy Assumptions about the Relation between Emotional Schemas and Psychoemotional Functioning" (2019). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/3317