The Use of Schema Therapy and Acceptance and Responsibility Therapy in Working with People with Fixed Behavioural and Thought Patterns

Abstract

Background: Rigid cognitive-behavioural patterns pose a serious therapeutic problem because persistent patterns of avoidance, emotional fixation, and low psychological flexibility accompany them. In this regard, it is essential to seek integrated approaches that can combine a deep conceptualisation of personal structures with process efficiency.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of an integrated model of psychotherapeutic intervention, combining schema therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), in working with individuals who exhibit rigid cognitive-behavioural patterns.

Methodology: The theoretical analysis and pilot empirical research with the help of AAQ-II and YSQ-S3 psychometric scales are the methodological base of the study. The empirical part was executed in the form of a one-group pretest-posttest, with quantitative data being analysed using paired-samples t-tests in SPSS to confirm changes within groups. Moreover, observation, which was done qualitatively throughout the sessions, was employed to supplement numerical outcomes and add to the validity of interpretation.

Result: Following the therapeutic intervention, a decrease in the intensity of the five central maladaptive schemes and a significant improvement in psychological flexibility were observed. The greatest changes were found in the schemas of emotional deprivation, self-punishment, and unattainable standards, indicating the high sensitivity of these structures to the combined effects of schema therapy and ACT techniques.

Conclusion: The developed model covers five stages of intervention – from diagnosis to consolidation of changes – and includes both cognitive-emotional and behavioural-value techniques.

Unique Contribution: The study's practical significance lies in the creation of a structured toolkit for working with rigid clients, which can be applied in clinical practice and the professional training of therapists.

Key Recommendation: The results allow us to outline the prospects for further research, in particular in the direction of long-term effect, personalisation of interventions and scaling the model in different therapeutic formats.