An addendum to my post [[Framework of Complete CPTSD Recovery - Memory Reconsolidation (MR) & Inner Resourcing]], though it's not necessary to read it. **** The Maladaptive Schema Scale (MSS), is a quiz that scores an individual on 18 maladaptive schemas. These maladaptive schemas are coping strategies from missing secure attachment factors in early childhood. I believe this is useful to CPTSD recovery because 1) it gives a comprehensive "map" of dysfunction, 2) by giving you a score, you can measure progress. [Here's a link to a quiz (it's a bit janky)](https://webapp-production-7da0.up.railway.app/), though there are plenty of other free ones. **More Detail:** IMO, one of the issues with CPTSD is that it can present extremely differently in different people and in different scenarios. This can make it difficult to apply different strategies or therapies to yourself from others experiences. Furthermore, CPTSD can be comorbid with other personality disorders. Why I like the maladaptive schemas is that it's more granular than secure attachment factors, insecure attachment types, and even personality disorders. It's somehow also independent of them. By understanding which you score highly on, you can learn about your coping mechanism from previous attachment trauma. Furthermore it presents a "universe" of maladaptive schemas that is at least somewhat ordered and comprehensive. This can give a sense of order to recovery. Finally with the concept of scoring, there's an idea of an "end", whereas CPTSD recovery can feel never ending. **Schema Therapy Itself?** Honestly seems like a great, integrated therapy. Developed by Jeffrey Young based on patients with BPD, chronic trauma, and in general those who "know" what is true but can't "feel" it to be true. It incorporates attachment theory, experiential work (chair work), and CBT (focusing on the goal of changing behavior). IMO you also see many elements of things like IFS with things like "schema modes". While the 18 maladaptive schemas are defined by being broad and pervasive, the "modes" are states that are activated when people are triggered. **Child modes:** Vulnerable, Angry, Impulsive, Happy **Maladaptive coping modes:** compliant surrenderer, detached protector, overcompensator **Dysfunctional parent:** punitive parent, demanding parent **Healthy adult** Why the focus on just the maladaptive schema scores? I think the scores are broadly useful regardless of therapy type. Furthermore, schema therapists seem extremely rare. **** The 18 maladaptive schemas are: Markdown Domain I: Disconnection and Rejection * Abandonment / Instability * Mistrust / Abuse * Emotional Deprivation * Defectiveness / Shame * Social Isolation / Alienation Domain II: Impaired Autonomy and Performance * Dependence / Incompetence * Vulnerability to Harm or Illness * Enmeshment / Undeveloped Self * Failure Domain III: Impaired Limits * Entitlement / Grandiosity * Insufficient Self-Control / Self-Discipline Domain IV: Other-Directedness * Subjugation * Self-Sacrifice * Approval-Seeking / Recognition-Seeking Domain V: Overvigilance and Inhibition * Negativity / Pessimism * Emotional Inhibition * Unrelenting Standards / Hypercriticalness * Punitiveness **Other resources** I enjoyed re-inventing your life by young which goes through some quizzes and explains the schemas in detail, though its based on an older version of the schemas.