Maladaptive Initial Schema Formation

This book presents research carried out with children aged 4 to 5 on the influence of the family and the school on the formation of maladaptive schemas that generate behavioural problems. The research used questionnaires, interviews and systematic observation in the school environment, looking at three aspects: the role of the family, the role of the school and the strategies used by teachers in the classroom. Based on Jeffrey Young’s theory of Initial Maladaptive Schemas, the data obtained from the questionnaires applied to families and teachers, interviews with them and notes taken during the research period in the schools are analysed. This study proves that: 1. negative parenting practices can lead to the formation of maladaptive schemas, which vary according to the child’s gender; 2. the parents’/guardians’ level of education and family income can influence the formation of specific schemas; 3. appropriate action by teachers can reduce or even extinguish the schemas that are being formed. This book is aimed at parents and educators who are concerned about the healthy development of children.