Kristine Kahr Nilsson1. 1. Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 16, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark. kahr@psy.au.dk
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Previous research indicates that low self-esteem is associated with functional impairment in remitted bipolar disorder patients. The present study aimed to elucidate this area further by exploring the relationship between different self-schemas and key functional outcome domains. METHODS: The study consisted of 49 remitted bipolar disorders patients who completed the Young Schema Questionnaire-Short Version (YSQ-S3) and the Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS). RESULTS: A hierarchical regression analysis revealed that the schemas Social Isolation, Failure to Achieve, Dependence, Vulnerability to Harm and Illness, Emotional Inhibition, Insufficient Self-Control, and Pessimism accounted for 28% of the variance in functional impairment when controlling for length of remission and subsyndromal depressive symptoms. LIMITATIONS: The WSAS as a self-report scale measures the patients' perception of own functioning and is therefore not an objective measure of functioning. CONCLUSIONS: The findings delineate specific psychological vulnerabilities which are likely to be implicated in functional impairment in bipolar disorder and as such warrant further examination in terms of their causal mechanisms and therapeutic implications.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Previous research indicates that low self-esteem is associated with functional impairment in remitted bipolar disorderpatients. The present study aimed to elucidate this area further by exploring the relationship between different self-schemas and key functional outcome domains. METHODS: The study consisted of 49 remitted bipolar disorderspatients who completed the Young Schema Questionnaire-Short Version (YSQ-S3) and the Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS). RESULTS: A hierarchical regression analysis revealed that the schemas Social Isolation, Failure to Achieve, Dependence, Vulnerability to Harm and Illness, Emotional Inhibition, Insufficient Self-Control, and Pessimism accounted for 28% of the variance in functional impairment when controlling for length of remission and subsyndromal depressive symptoms. LIMITATIONS: The WSAS as a self-report scale measures the patients' perception of own functioning and is therefore not an objective measure of functioning. CONCLUSIONS: The findings delineate specific psychological vulnerabilities which are likely to be implicated in functional impairment in bipolar disorder and as such warrant further examination in terms of their causal mechanisms and therapeutic implications.