Schemas Part 4: SCARS Institute Theory – Schema Conflict Resulting in Psychological Trauma – 2024
Schemas Part 4: SCARS Institute Schema Conflict Theory Resulting in Psychological Trauma
Exploring the Connection Between Schema Conflicts and the Experience of Psychological Trauma
Primary Category: Psychology of Scams
Authors:
• Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – Psychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
About This Article
When a person’s core beliefs, or schemas, are confronted with conflicting experiences, it can significantly disrupt their psychological equilibrium and result in trauma.
Schemas are deeply ingrained mental models that help individuals process the world based on past experiences. When a scam victim’s schema (such as trust in others or belief in financial security) is shattered, they experience cognitive dissonance and emotional distress.
The severity of the trauma depends on their ability to reconcile the conflicting experience with their mental framework. If they cannot resolve the disparity, it leads to heightened emotional turmoil, difficulty trusting others, and lasting psychological impacts.
