A short reference for one schema. Compare all 18 schemas and five domains.
What Is Defectiveness Schema?
The defectiveness schema is characterized by a belief that you are internally damaged, bad, or inferior. People with this schema often feel they would be rejected if others truly knew them.
Common Signs
You might have this schema if you frequently experience:
- Chronic feelings of being "not good enough"
- Shame about perceived flaws or weaknesses
- Fear of being discovered or exposed
- Difficulty accepting compliments or praise
- Self-criticism and harsh inner dialogue
- Hiding your true self from others
Fictional Everyday Examples
Here are some common ways defectiveness schema shows up in daily life:
- •Believing you don't deserve good things or success
- •Feeling like an impostor even when you're qualified
- •Avoiding intimacy for fear others will see your "flaws"
- •Constantly comparing yourself negatively to others
- •Apologizing excessively or taking blame for things not your fault
Related Schemas
Compare this pattern with other possible explanations:
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Source and scope
Definitions are paraphrased and examples are fictional, for educational use. Consult the International Society of Schema Therapy’s central concepts.
These signs are not diagnostic criteria. How we prepare our content.
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