Schema · Coping
Schema Coping Styles Worksheet
Surrender, avoidance, overcompensation
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Every schema survives because a coping style protects it from disconfirming evidence. There are three, and most people use all of them in different areas of life.
Surrender
Acts as if the schema is simply true. Picks situations and people who confirm it, and complies.
Avoidance
Keeps the schema out of awareness — avoids the situation, numbs, distracts, dissociates, uses substances or overwork.
Overcompensation
Behaves as the opposite of the schema — dominating, perfecting, entitled, counter-attacking. Looks like strength, costs the same.
The schema I am working with here
Where I surrender to it — and with whom (roles only)
Where I avoid it — situations, feelings, or conversations I keep away from
Where I overcompensate — what I do that looks like the opposite
Short-term relief each style gives me
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Long-term cost of the style I use most
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What each style has protected me from feeling
The smallest experiment that would let real evidence in this week